I have been shooting a rem. 270 with 130 gr. remington core-lokt. It is like some of yall said shot placement is the key to dropping them in their tracks. When you shoot a deer through the rib cage the bullet passes right through and most of the time the deer will run. I have learned that a shoulder shot will drop them dead because they absorb all of the shock and energy from the bullet because it hits bone unlike passing through the ribcage. Yes you will lose more meat but when it is a big buck i would rather lose some meat and watch the deer drop than see it run off and maybe never find it. That really sucks, i know from experience. 4 years ago i shot a nice 8 point in west bay through the ribs (lung shot) and it ran off leaving a good blood trail for about fifty yards then nothing. Never found him. Since then i have not had one take a step after a shoulder shot. Thats my opinion!!!!!!!!! Almost forgot about the does i just try to head shoot them. Heres an example. .
