I switched from RB to sabot in my TC HawkenFL because of one I lost. it was two years ago, I was sitting on a stool with my FL on a drive, a deer came running right toward me at 20 yards. I shot her square in the brisket. She dropped right there. The drivers were still pushing deer out so I reloaded and followed the drive thru. When I turned around the deer had gotten up and took off, I thought she was dead. I was using a .50 cal TC FL with a .490 RB from Hornady, .015 patch. There was no blood trail. I never recoved the deer.Last year I switched to sabots and 300g Gold Dot. I would say on broadside shots your fine with a 50 cal RB, on deer drives likewe do in January in PA they are not fine. I think a .54 cal is a better rifle because of the increased weight of the ball, I am looking for one. I have seen several other RB hit deer get away, I would say poor shot placement is the key factor.
Chap Gleason