FG - I've taken about a dozen or so deer with the ML. 2 with caplock and the rest with flinters using PRB, Powerbelts, and T/C Maxihunters - all 50 cal. And honestly, I prefer to avoid the shoulder. Not that the Powerbelt doesn't have enough energy to smash it - it surely does. But I prefer to be certain that my bullet of choice has sufficient energy to bust both lungs.
In my early years when I was young and foolishI shot a whitetail doe walking straight away, tail up at 50 yds. I had a perfect "bullseye" to shoot at and I don't think I ever broke the skin and she dropped where she stood. I would never take that shot again or advocate anyone else taking it. But obviously it was extremely effective.