I hunt from the ground and tried to aim for the shoulder area. So far I have two deer with this load. They were both complete penetrations. One was at 10 feet (big button buck, thought was a doe in the low light)and above and behind shoulder,the deer dropped in it's tracks. The other was close to 35 yards, this young 5 point was hit behind front shoulder and hit other side shoulder. This deer jumped at the shot and was down within 25 yards of the shot. I know 2 deer doesn't give you too much information but this load killed as well for me as jacketed bullets with less meat damage. Both deer had .357 sized holes going in and about 2" holes on off side.