Its true Mugnum is just a name or maybe selling point. Be it cars guns or tools. When it comes down to it, you put more in, you get more out. To a point that is. Its all in the ballistics that you want or need as EKM said. With the calibers we have available to day you can tailor a round to do exactly what you need it to do. Some of the Magnums offer advantages in some areas and will come with a cost be it recoil or muzzle blast. Use what you need and keep in mind that regardless of caliber, shot placement is everything and there is no substitute for it.