That was a fun read. You really had me. I remember seeing about Goex blowing up years ago. First thing I did was check powder prices in case I need a another case.
That is a very nice buck. Congratulations. Very nice color of that deer. And a nice size.
Is that ball you used home cast? The reason I ask is I expected more of a flattened design to the ball after traveling that far. If it is home cast, check your lead. Although maybe it never hit any hard bone surface to make it flatten out more then it did.