Hey Jordan, if I came across strong, my apologies. It is great that you are asking these questions. On this board, you will get non conventional answers.
Like I said in my post, the only way to find out for yourself is to try the different combinations on real "targets". I am going to do some further testing on milk jugs and phone books so that I will feel confident of my shot on a deer. Remember that a good load at 100 yds may not group at all at longer ranges.
What you will find is that high BC bullets change the effective distance of many rounds. As an example, many think that 1000ft-lbs at the game is a good amount of energy for deer size game. No one will argue that a 30 cal is big enough to do the job. Now look at what happens to the lowly 308 win when high BC bullets (155gr Amax or MK) are launched at 2950fps. On paper, it has an effective range of over 600yds!! Most would consider the 308 a 250yds cartridge max. With blunt hunting bullets, they may be right.
At the low impact vel, Ballistic tips, SST, MK all become controlled expansion bullets. Performance is usually excellent as is penetration.
I think you will enjoy the info and the projects that are presented on this board. Keep an open mind and remember that the posters here are basing their findings on real world experience, not arm chair ballistics. Many in the conventional world cannot or will not accept these facts.
Good luck...
Jerry