My son shot a spike last year with a .50 cal. using a Barnes x-bullet. The deer ran less than 50 yards, however the bullet didn' t make an exit hole. We recovered the bullet and it had opened perfectly. The bullet obviously did its job, however all animals don' t fall within sight and I like a bullet that makes two holes for a better blood trail. I' ve heard similar comments about Power Belts. I' m interested in anyone else' s experience with Barnes.