I call BS to anyone who says they get bang flops on all their kills, as those never happen except perfect high shoulder, spine(near head), and brain shots, which are usually poor, low percentage options to start with.
I also call BS on needing a .300 over a .284, anywhere but Africa.
All the variables discussed here have give and take. I agree TSX penetrate better, but at the cost of BC. So, you have to limit your range, though that is fine for many. All bullets have weaknesses, so you must understand them, and make a choice, then avoid them in the field, such as over or under shooting you bullets effective velocity range.
Nothing is more important when hunting, than having confidence in what your shooting. I agree your barrel is overly short. I shoot 168 Berger’s in a 22” A-bolt at 2875 w RL19. It’s a funny gun as it shoots rarely better than .75 at 100, but never lands outside of .5 from 400 to 800, and has always been money in the moment. I’ve stopped chasing my tail w loads and my 10 other rifles, as this one just “works”, despite the obvious flaws.
Me and my kids all shoot .284’s. Many different bullets. 20 bulls, 50 bucks, and a few bears, hogs, and lopes on side over the past 20 yrs alone, have all died well from 50 to 700 yds. None lost!
And listen to Cahunter805, despite his zip code, he knows his stuff!