If all other factors are equal, the bullet used will have more to do with how far the deer goes. A bullet that penetrates and exits without expansion will lead to longer trails. The ideal deer bullet will expand and cause a good wound channel, and also exit. Heart/lung shot deer very often will go 100 yds, even with good bullet performance. It's just the nature of the beast.

If you want your deer to drop, use the high shoulder shot, with a bullet that is sturdy enough to break some bones. Once were into the 6mm / .243 class of cartridges, the caliber used is almost irrelevant.