Blow-ups are due to a combination of things - bullet mass, construction, velocity and material impacted.
Over the years I've seen more animals wounded and lost after being shot with a .243 than probably all other calibers combined. As a result I'm a big fan of monos (Barnes tipped bullets in particular), bonded core, hybrid (bonded front core, mono rear) and Partition/A-Frame type construction.
I once shot a Nosler 40g BT varmint bullet into a tin can containing a terrycloth rag that had soaked up some oil, so partially wet, partially dry. The can was on its side with the bottom facing me. The muzzle velocity was 4052fps, range around 40-50 yards. The interesting thing was no noticeable exit with lots of shrapnel holes and dents in the sides of the can.
Another time I used the same load to shoot a coyote at 300 yards. The bullet entered the rear of the head, killing it instantly. A single drop of blood was seen in one ear. No exit wound of any kind. Try as I might, I can't see a significantly heavier or more solidly constructed bullet doing so little visible damage.
Over the years I've killed elk with cup and core bullets, monos and hybrids, 140g to 225g, no problems. When my .257 Roberts gets carried, a 120g A-Frame is in the spout.