I have taken 3 whitetails in the past 2 years with the 250 gr SST and 90 grs Pyrodex RS with the high shoulder shot...all 3 dropped in their tracks...I have had the same reaction with my .54 flinter and 80 grs ff and my .243...if you want to drop them that is the place to go...it gives you a little more leeway than the head or neck shot...a high lung shot is also a good area for a high powered rifle....but with a muzzleloader you will bust up the shoulder blade and spine and they will hit the ground...Good Luck