Well ... How about I feel an extra level of confidence with " more than aaverage powerful " round ? This also includes full power .357Mag , 9mm+P+ , .45acp & O+P .For backwoods include Ruger level .45LC .

 In the narrow issue , the OP is basically correct about penetration per se.  In rule of thumb , expansion is inversely porportional to penetration.

The question of what is "better" for hunting has a lot more variables. The game, shot placement , what shots/ angles you are willing to take, and frankly the philosophical preferences of the hunter. Examples : Small-ish whitetail , only taking unobstructed heart/ lung shots , only moderate penetration needed , and big expansion is a plus. Aiming for offside shoulder on an elk, or a large boar lots of penetration is needed. Controled expansion vs hard cast is Ford vs Chevy raised to a near religous intensity.

 I bought a G29sf for its versatility. As soon as real life requirements stop intruding on my gun expendatures , a 4.6in bbl has been my plan from the start. In the states I mostly hunt , a 4in min bbl is required, in addition to any vel increase. I usually carry full size pistols , so the additional length isn't a problem.