It's likely that the sheer commonality of the cartridge has caused normal statistical variations across a broad spectra to be touted as general fact. With every use and user of the cartridge, the opportunity grows for a mishap -- but equally it grows for a success, thus the debate. In the end, the information is processed by our affections (much like my earlier fascetious post implied re: the 7.62x39 being the premier African cartridge and killer of elephants. In fact, by my understanding, it is.).

But in short, the widely variable reports on the cartridge are probably due to the fact that the cartridge is as good as O'Conner said it was, plus the millions of variables introduced with each use. As are .303 British, .22 lr, 30-06, etc.

Merry Christmas Gen'lmen!