You guys put way too much thought into this. Back in my younger days I learned real quick that a single 40 grain American Eagle .22 LR bullet tight behind the shoulder is about the cleanest kill possible on a deer. Some shots were in excess of 100 yards and it was always the same result. Instant death. Did it quite a bit on a couple ranches owned by buddies.
FYI I haven't done anything illegal for over 14 years now so don't even go there.
I did several behind the shoulder with .22 mag.. None went more than 80 yds. but none dropped instantly either. I know somebody who used to lung shoot them with .22 LR but only with snow on for tracking. He told me he'd just plug one and walk away and come back later to track them out. He said they always laid down and died within 100-150 yds. that way but never said a thing about any instant drops. I've killed enough to know I don't buy instant drops every time behind the shoulder with anything, much less the .22 LR.
