I also bow hunt and I believe that a .22 centerfire will have better penetration than a bow. Shoot a deer in the shoulder with a bow and you will not get a pass through. Do the same with a .22 centerfire using a good bullet and it will blow through both shoulders. I know because I have done it personnally. I have read tests that showed a .220 swift pierce steel that a 30-06 was unable to do. But then see gel tests that show the 30-06 to have more penetration. Go figure ?