My daughter killed five deer in five years with the Hornady 180 XTP and a healthy dose of Lil’Gun out of a Marlin 1894 carbine. Ranges were from 50 to 125 yards and all were DRT.
Out of 6” or longer revolver barrels we drop to the Hornady 158 XTP to get similar expansion as the heavier bullet out of the carbine. We also stay inside 75 yards but that is limited by our ability, not load power.
Cast bullets punch.35 caliber holes through deer and while they leave good blood trails, deer seem to run farther than with expanding jacketed bullets. Cast bullets seem to work better out of the .44s and .45s for us.
