penetration is not stopping power, you can shoot an elk or bear with a .300 WIN MAG multiple times and that animal will run another mile, the penetration is good, but only if vitals are hit, the GOLD DOT increases the temporary wound cavity, and increases the permanent would channel and that is what actually stops an animal as apposed to penetration alone, that is why hydra shok is so successful, but penetration is better with GOLD DOT, making it a better bear load, if there was one, the point is optimize the load for the calibre even if the caliber is not optimum the load can be,