I am debating whether to use 450 grain North Fork solids or 450 grain Barnes solids on an elephant hunt.

"Everybody" says that the North Forks (which look just like G.S.) will penetrate deeper than round nose solids because of their flat point. However, "everybody" does not include Kevin Robertson, who says just the opposite in his book.

Moreover, this North Fork flat point measures about 8mm. While the Barnes monolithic looks more round, it too has a flat point, on the end of its round nose, that mesures about 7mm in diameter. Both bullets have a shoulder like a wadcutter. Barnes solids are easier to load because they have wider (and fewer) crimping grooves. Both shoot equally well in my rifle and get in the 2250--2300 fps range, with Barnes a mite faster. I have heard this is because Barnes solids are a bit undersize.

Since I am, so far, a shooter of paper only with big bores, any experiences would be appreciated.