Great pics Tony and very informative..
I can add weight to your explanation as to why head shots are NOT the best choice when hunting buffalo..
Rifle:- 375 Chatfield Taylor
Projectile:-300 gn round nose soft nose.
MV:-2200 fps aprox
Distance:-30 yards and closing FAST.

First shot stunned the animal,sat down on hind quarters.
Second shot from side on into heart lung area before it got to its feet.
Third shot through bottom of brisket into heart lung area as animal rolled over.

This all took less than 15 seconds..
After cleaning the skull only a small dent was found smaller than a one cent piece..