I consider a gain of 100 as quite high.
Of course, a transistor with a gain of 10 on a 3.3v controller would be a joke.
All high current transistors I’ve come across (example as used in 129VDC to 120VAC inverters) had high power drivers.
Side note, when they blew, metal and fiber glass all over the place. 
As mention, the following is of utmost importance:
“ As always mentioned, the EE must confirm the transistor is in saturation. This is done with either an oscilloscope or a DMM.”.