When I was growing up my Dad had the same thinking as you. I do not know the powder he used but he used the Speer 90 gr. TNT HP exclusively for predator hunting. Mostly coyotes on the ranch he worked on. One word of caution is you are hunting for pelts damage will be extreme with this bullet. Also he had a Win. Mod. 70 Featherweight in 270 and used it exclusively for years the 90 gr. for varmints and the 130 gr. SBT for deer. Unfortunately he lost the rifle in a cabin fire a few years back and replaced it with a 25-06. Good Hunting!