MCgunner
Member
Bullets kill destroying tissue along its path and penetrating to vitals, the factor influencing this are bullet diameter (including expansion in the equation when solid are not used) the velocity/energy duo and bullet SD, shape (for solids) and construction. That much is proven and not debatable.
Is not a theory, these are observable facts....I think we can all agree that if exactly the same shot is taken with a .22 cal bullet vs a .50 cal bulet (same shape) the .50 cal will destroy more tissue along the way and that if you do not reach the vitals (or break bones) an animal is not going down.
I guess I give the ballistic pressure wave theory more clout than you seem to. I know crush cavity is a wounding mechanism, but especially at rifle energies, the energy plays a bigger role than I think you give it credit for. This is JMHO supported by Courtney's research. Matters not what makes that energy, big/slow bullet or smaller, faster bullet, the pressure wave will be the same, at least according to Courtney. He claims and supports that bullets over 500 ft lbs start showing these effects. I find more arguments over this on pistol boards than hunting. Most have seen the effects of a magnum rifle on these boards, the remote tissue damage that can be done. I've seen the lungs of a doe simply vanish when hit by a 7mm Rem Mag at 50 yards. I was astonished at the damage. I've seen a 3" diameter wound path along the wound track from a .357" SWC bullet at 80 yards fired from a rifle. Energy was only about 800 ft pounds at that range. It was a lung shot, died inside 25 yards from where shot. I've seen a spike drop so fast into the grass from a high lung shot from a .30-30 contender, I'd af first thought I missed. Shot was 90 yards. I could go on and on. None of this is explained by simple crush cavity. Energy does play a role, I'm quite convinced.