I use the SST's alot in 270 Win 130gr. & 25-06 in 117gr. Like you said you get alot of DRT kills & the range really doesent matter.Ive took them from 30yds. to 400yds pretty much with the same result. I almost never get alot of meat damage,stay off the shoulders they aint that bad.I think the SST's are a great hunting bullet used them for years. good luck this season.