"The larger calibers kill better when the shot placement isn't perfect." The myth that will not die, only something with an explosive bullet can kill quick when the vitals are missed.
"I would love to see one of these Hardies take their .26s with them up against tuff stuff that would bite back." You need to read some of the stuff written by Victorian era Brits, about hunting in Africa. Quite a few carried 6.5 or 7mms as their basic rifle.
"Well, if that is a true statement and carried to its logical end, then the .243 or even the .223 will kill any game that walks." I guess you missed the part about bullets with enough sectional density to penetrate sufficiently.
Now Gadd Zooks, tell me your favorite Elmer Keith story about the bullet proof ram.