Normally I might agree to avoid the HP's as a hunting round. but here's what I found. Couple years ago I bought a 16" Contender 45/70, I wanted something a little more up to the job than the 30/30 barrel I had been using (which worked very effectively by the way). The first Black Bear I used this on, I missed with my first shot, I can't explain it other than a 16" scoped Contender isnt the easiest thing to hold steady from a tree stand, especially when a bear gets the adrenaline going. So anyway, the bear stood still at the bait, not sure if I was lucky to to a second chance or he was wounded, I better get in a second shot quick if possible. I loaded a second shot as quickly as I could (factory Rem 300grain HP's, 45/70) the bear turned and started walking away. Now, this isnt a shot I would normally ever take, except that maybe he's wounded, maybe not. So, Texas Heart shot it is. This time it went perfectly as aimed, right up the plumbing. The bear fell forward, very dead. I found that Hollow Point bullet, 88% intact (264 grains) and mushroomed about 3/4 of an inch. It taveled through over 44" of Wisc Black Bear and the bullet was recovered under the hide in the throat area (found it while skinning). It's very questionable if I did my job correctly, but I feel very safe in saying the 300 grain HP did it's job VERY WELL. I have no problem or fear using it, this is the ONLY bullet I use anymore on all big game hunting with this round.