skeeter - very interesting results with the bullet performance. It answered a few questions that were always in the back of my mind about Shockwaves. I also believe that while the Shockwave is a great bullet, it needs to hit something solid in order to expand properly. You kind of supported that idea there.

From your wound description, the destroyed lung would have killed her no matter what. The breaking of the scapula or shoulder blade triangle only planted her there. It is actually one of my favorite shots when hunting the tangle of under brush around here. If I can put them down on the trail, they are easy to get to.

I also note your ability in that Savage to really push that bullet to some extreme velocities. I think that is another great help in your ability to harvest so effectively. Congratulations on a heck of a shot. 170 yards is no easy shot. No matter what kind of rifle you are shooting. And a large mule deer is not as easy to bring down as some people think. I had a friend pump three 30-06 rounds into one and it stood there and soaked that lead up like it was nothing. Congratulations again.. now you have some excellent venison for the table and a great memory of a fine hunt to boot!!!