Originally Posted by
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I've carried a 7mm Mag since I was 14. I've taken it to Africa 5 times and have used it extensively in North America for game up to and including elk. The round is more than powerful enough. As others have noted, what you experienced was bullet failure, not cartridge/caliber failure. I've been using 160 gr Noslers in mine for years and it has always performed well.
As to the old "a bullet that exits wastes energy" stance, I say B.S. I want 2 holes if I can get them. 2 holes means more blood going out and more air going in through the holes. Any energy "wasted" isn't important if you have 2 holes in the animal.
I agree completely. If an animal is hit marginally, I want an exit hole for a blood trail. I realize a marginal hit needs to be avoided through practice and shot judgment, but if you hunt long enough, it will happen. An exit hole is desirable in those unfortunate situations. That is one thing modern bullets have given us; the ability to use a lesser cartridge than back in the "good 'ol days" with acceptable results.