At its most basic level, energy is what is propelling the bullet. That is physics. Tissue damage and blood loss are what address the kill. Aside from damage to the central nervous system, damage to organs to prevent the flow or cause the loss of blood cause the kill. I think most here understand that. The basis of the article question seemed to be about defensive shooting though. In which case you must be absolutely cognizant of bystanders and the round must not pass through with the potential to strike an innocent bystander. The OP said one shot as well. That is where I made the suggestion to reference Marshall and Sanows' work (Man Stoppers). These were all documented shootings, with autopsy reports. Additionally, the barrel length, caliber and load were all known.In reference to your statement sir, nobody expects the bullet to stop prior to the heart and be more effective. You are talking about total penetration. I should have been more clear on noting that i was referencing the 125 gr JHP from a 357 and it's high effective one shot stop percentage. As I recall, it was 97%. I have a basis of reality on terminal performance from personal experience, that includes a bit more than game.
On game, would prefer my 45 colt to be pushing a 300 grain WFGC over 1200 FPS, yes. If it whistled through the chest cavity of a deer ,elk or black bear, that would be grand. If it broke a shoulder on the way, splendid. Do I want to utilize the same load on an adversary in a life threatening situation? With a crowd around? In my home with children in the next room? No sir. That would be a fools folly. I would want a round that penetrates 8-12 inches, expands and wastes itself within the target. The theory is sound and proven in that situation.