I shot one buck with a round ball out of a .54 caliber Hawkins, and immediately changed to a maxi ball. The fat in the deer, I guess, plugged the holes and there was little blood trail, even with a lung shot. I was very lucky to find that deer. After I found it, I back trailed to where the blood started and it was close to 100 yards from where I shot the deer. If there had not been snow, I most likely would not have found it. Snow is scarce in Arkansas during hunting season. miles
Don't know where yours was hit, but even with a modern rifle I try to keep lung shots low in the chest. It just takes too long ( and maybe never) for blood to start leaking from mid to high chest hits. Low hits that disconnect the heart have given the best trails, especially if you get some pumping action.
