This penetration/SD/velocity data is only relevant to similar shaped bullets. But it is usefull data. There is no such thing as too much penetration on an elephant where only solids are uses, a where a silid is used only, in my opinion.

But there is trade off to make. A faster 45 solid which will give greater penetration at some point ought to be replaced by a 500 bullet which will give less penetration, but enough, and more bullet diameter and weight. I think this holds true for elephant head shots and ele and buff body shots as well.

A secons trade off might be bullet weight in the same cartridge in lieu of more velocity. For example, reports of field perfomance for 550gr solids out of the Lott give it credit for significantly more hitting or knock down power that a faster 500gr bullet, but with more than sufficient peneration too. Same reports regarding the 450gr 416 bullets.

One thing this data does show is that if you insist on using a 30-06 for your plains game in an elephant area, you still have a chance of braining an elephant with a 200 or 220 gr solids!

I believe the trade off points are 458 Lott, go any faster than ~2250fps and you ought to go to the 500's. And you ought to use a 459mw/450NE as the minimum if your going to go elephant hunting, at least if your'e going to go more than once.

JPK