I' ve noticed this situation with, terminal ballistics being the answer. That is how the bullets performs upon impact. I' ve seen two different outcomes, bullets that poke holes thru deer and bullets that expand.

Nosler Partion get excellent results, next to no tracking. But, I had some cheaper tips loaded for target practice that I watched deer take off after being shot. I couldn' t believe what I saw, deer being hit hard and going a distance. Upon inspection they had a small hole in and out.

You get what you pay for, performance is the goal. Terminal ballistics is the reason.

Deer do act amazing when fired up on adrenaline, as well. So both can answer the question. Different deer and bullet composition adds up.