Writing about shooting is a lot like writing about having sex. It's far better to be actually doing it. And usually the people who write best about it are not the best at doing it.
Re: WDMBell....as noted, his goal was to kill elephants, not get them charging first. Not only was he an excellent shot, he also spent a lot of time studying the skull of the elephant to know just where to place his bullet. To Bell, a small caliber rifle was easier to carry and aim and the much lower recoil meant he could shoot it at will - and do a lot more practice shooting. Same applies to ammo - cheaper, easier to get, and easier to carry in bulk.
