I have killed 7 deer with 250gr shockwaves backed up by 100gr of powder and all I can say is WOW, every deer I have shot has been dead within 35 yds and left a good blood trail. I will never use anything else in a muzzleloader. I suspect you did not hit the deer in the vitals to start with IMO. I might add I can shoot pretty good at 160yds with this load.