had this happen on one of my shoots a couple of months back,cow shot through the neck
with a CROSSBOW.
had to have it put down, never got anyone for it.
both my springers play all day with the grand kids, one is 2 year old the other is 15 months.
gentle as can be.
sounds like your mates is left to run riot.
bad dog or owner.??
My main reason is stopping power.
i find the hornet case is too small to get the speed you need to make the bt, rounds explode(with 50,s) like they should, you may be best staying with the 40 grns, 12.8 of l/gun behind the 40,s should muller em.
i would sort it myself if its only a matter of putting it back together right.
if you need to strip and clean it in the futre this will be a learning curve for you.
I THINK YOU WILL FIND A 40GN BULLET WILL PERFORM BETTER 50GN TO HEAVY WITH ALIGHT POWDER CHARGE
I have tried 40gn v max and 40gn sierra blitz kings both to great effect. Thanks for your comment.
any particular reason you have moved on to 50 grns please.