I shot two deer last weekend with a 200 grain shockwave. The first one was approximately 75 yards and the exit hole on that one was half again the size of a quarter. Even with a large exit and in snow the blood trail wasnt great. The second doe was at 180 yards and I made a poor shot on her. It was a low liver hit and the bullet stayed in her. I probably wouldnt have found any blood except for the snow. Ive hunted alot with shotguns and a good blood trail with a shotgun is usualy the exception not the rule. Even though these are my first deer with my muzzle loader, Im sure the same goes for them as well.