I believe that flat nosed or round nosed bullets of conventional design are a prudent choice for the cats. They are never shot at long range so ballistic coefficient is of no consequence. They are not heavily boned, nor do they possess tough hides. I have read and been told that an impact velocity of at least 2500 fps sends a cats nervous system into fits. So I keep that in mind when thinking of a cat killing load.

A good deer bullet in a good deer calibre is all you need for leopard. Indeed, a .375 H&H stoked with A-frames or Triple Shocks might get you in trouble. They will not encounter enough resistance to cause them to open. A 30-06 with a 180 grain cup and core bullet hand loaded to a good 2700 fps would be my first choice. No bonded or mono metal bullets really needed here.

With lion. a 300 grain Hornady Interlock or Woodleigh round nose soft would be all you need. A Cape buffalo bullet won't create the wound channel of these softer bullets. As an added bonus, they are cheaper and generally more accurate that their stouter brethren.

I used a 250 grain Speer Grand Slam out of a .338 Winchester magnum on my lion. Loaded to 2645 fps, the shot moved my cat 3-4 feet sideways before he touched down for good. A famous outfitter told me to use 250 Swift A-frames. When I told him I could not get over 2400 fps, he doubted me. I doubt very much that he ever paid for an A-frame let alone chronographed a .338 Winchester loaded with one. Speaking to him reminded me of an infomercial. They are dandy in the .338 Ultra or the .340 Bee, but too long for the Winchester.