shepdog, typically a flat based bullet will lead to better penetration as a result of more weight retention than a comparable BT design. Exceptions to this rule ie:barnes x and tsx all copper where both boast in excess of 90% weight retention. On deer it rarily matters, unless real close at high MV or hitting square on the shoulder bone, this is where a tougher bullet will work better with less meat damage.

BTW my favorite deer bullet is still the NBT, though I expect thatI may have to make 200 plus yard shots on any given day i hunt deer with a CF.I have taken deer with it as close as 30 yards and never lost one but it does make a bigger hole when it strikes at High MV andpenetration is reduced when it meets heavy bone b/c of therapid expansion design.