The AB is optimized to penetrate...and not much of that is needed on a deer.
A heavier bullet of lighter construction like a Ballistic Tip, Berger, or A-Max might have worked better, because it would have done more damage earlier on in the chest cavity itself.
I would have expected the AB to do well, but it's entirely possible to thread the needle and penetrate the entire chest cavity barely missing anything vital on extremely unlucky occasions.
You should count yourself "lucky" you weren't in Vegas that day.
TC
