Since you never found the animal no way to know where you actually hit him so blaming the rifle or bullet wouldn't be fair.Bullet placement is the key, no matter how big or what cartridge if you don't hit them properly your going to be in for some tracking. I agree with whitetaildreamer you need to lay off deer that aren't well hit, seen them go a long ways seemingly on adrenaline alone, a poor hit makes it even worse.

As far as range 100 and under no need for the lightest/fastest load, I'd up the grains to 160 or even try the 175. Then use the one that is most accurate in your rifle.

G/L