RE: need help on sabots
Well the powerbelts are one of those projectiles I read good things and bad things about. The .45 caliber is more then enough to take the deer down. Especially if you put that powerbelt in the right place. 100 grains of pellets and a powderbelt should have been more then enough powder. It would be interesting to know where you actually hit that deer. Maybe try some of the hollow point powerbelts. They might expand more, especially if your shots are close. I am wondering if those aerotips are blowing right through. Especially if you are not shooting into bone. They go in, out and keep on moving. Granted, the deer is mortally wounded, just not stunned.
Some others I am sure can give you much better information. I know the feeling of shooting one and then not finding it.