John, the bubble has been proven to exist at least on the flat metplate solids and I believe the Hydros where tested to ascertain this-I could be wrong. The bubble is what starts to force the flesh apart, this helps reduce surface friction and aids penetration and produces a wider wound channel. The wider wound channel is caused by displaced air and liquid so less friction. From what I have seen myself the Hydro produces more damage with the the wound channel than a round nose solid.

Re solids deviating. I have been told of conventional round nose solids deviating by those it has happened to as well as written examples. I have not heard or read of any of this from those using Hydros and Metplate monometals or conventional metplate solids.

Yes a good soft nose is better than a hydro etc where a soft should be used, no argument there. I believe I said this early in the piece. How ever I believe the Hydro is a better than a conventional solid if a soft nose is required and not available. The Hydros are a solid, not a soft point replacement for those jurisdictions that don't allow lead core bullets. Barnes, Impala, Northforks etc are the replacements for cup & core bullets.

I say use what ever you like.