Congratulations on taking the buck...

Personally I would suspect the bullet performance. Switch over to a Nosler, Barnes, Speer, or even Shockwaves and you might have better luck at planting them faster. Also shot placement is still critical.

Your report on the powerbelt makes me really begin to wonder if I ever do want to try shooting a deer with one of them. Where I hunt I like to put them on the ground where they stand. So I might have to give some careful consideration to bullet performance.

Welcome to the forum and the sport. Don't give up on it...