Have used a SOCOM 16 for over 5 years now and a Leuopold Prismatic optic and surplus ammo since most are in wooded areas near pastures/fields that I hunt.
I am using an M1A scout with handloaded 165 gr gamekings and a 2 X 7 pistol scope. I can shoot both eyes open on the run. They dont budge when I hittem.
Different situations from what you folks are talking about, but I have a friend that has a meat processing business, that I've taken my my deer to for many years.
They process cattle in times when the deer seasons aren't on.
They kill the cows with a .22 short. The bulls are killed with a .22 LR.
As I've said many times before, its all about bullet placement.
Before it even starts, I do realize the difference between packing house situations and real hunting situations.