I have seen .30 bullets do a lot of meat damage when driven fast. Even "premium" bullets. Maybe its just the speed on impact at closer range which is where I have seen most game shot. I moved to .338 after hunting grizzly country and having a little encounter in a willow patch. I have shot several moose and deer up close with .338. Mostly 225 hornady with excellent weight retention and without excessive damage. No animal ever went very far. I also believe that stock design becomes crucial with .338. My experience is that model 70's will kick you stupid. I "hear" Tika will punish as well. I fired a rem 700 and thought it was not bad. I own a Browning and immediately felt it handle the recoil better. Just my thoughts. Too many injuries may cause me to sell it, but I really believe its a great cartridge whch cannot be compard to any .30 cal.