John, very good article. FWIW, I've recovered every bullet I've shot deer with, if they didn't pass through. It's a very interesting pursuit, and though educational, CAN at times pose some real questions. One I'd like to add, is whether you've noted any "improvement" in Speer's "Hot Core" flat base bullets' retaining their cores, vs. more conventionally formed flat base bullets? I've never gotten anything but excellent expansion from the Speer bullets I've used, and I've used a fair number of them for one lone hunter.
I think the story of the flat base vs. boattails is a lot like most everything concerning ballistics - there's a LOT of factors acting that we don't always consider, or even know about. Sure keeps a fella' humble!
