Capstick takes a lot of liberties, in search of a better story, I think.
Agree and have read that before.
Re Bell and Small bores, makes me remember culling Buff here in Aus, me with 375H&H, mate with I think 338WM. Anyway, had 21 or so down on the ground in a straight line but a two cows and a calf which were at the front (and too far to shoot) got away. Mate toddles off, finds them, 3 shots. Went back later, 3 head shots with a 6.5mm.
After so many years, thousands of buffalo and knowing the "sweet spots", it can be done.
So Bell might have made the odd mistake at first - who doesn't but I think he got it right in the end !!!