Recovered one deer. Lots of blood, but no penetration. Bullets were exploding. Tracked the wounded deer for hours, with assistance. Ran into several hunters that day who reported seeing the deer with large blood spots on them. Talked to Mr. Nosler himself regarding what I had experienced and he concured that it was happening other places as well.
I never used FMJ for hunting (illegal most places I've hunted), but they were pretty effective in the M14 and M16. Live and learn I guess. You're right, it did turn out to be pretty crappy ammo.