I've killed several dozen deer with either a 240 or 300 grain XTP.

They are very effective. That said, you also need to push them a bitfaster if you want a pass through and more damage.

However, if you focus on a heart shot and can regularly shoot inside of 3-4" at 100 yards from a hunting rest or situation then the XTP drops deer very well.

Example:
From a 50 calat a range of say 40-80yards: if you are shooting a 240gr XTP andsay 80-85 grains of 777 FFG (or two 777 pellets) and double lung shot, often the XTP will stop on the far side if it hits a rib going in and on the far side. But, if you bump up the charge to 95-110 grains loose (or three 777 pellets) if your rifle will accept heavier loads, you will get a complete passthrough on a double lung shot. If you focus on heart shots (the top of the heart if you can) then the XTP does drop them well.

I still hunt with an XTP of some sort. But I have really found exceptional terminal performace with the Hornady SST in either 250 or 300 grain. Really is a super leathal load.

All of that said, shot placement is what it's all about. If you took a shoulder with a moderate load XTP then I am not a bit surprised that you did not get a pass through. You may not even with a heavier load.

Tahquamenon