Big Uncle
Personally I do not think you are using a
'real bad bullet' The XTP is a proven bullet, the only thing I say is that it can fail do to stripping the lead from the copper on occasion and even that is very rare - but it can happen. I prefer not to worry about when it might happen by using a different bullet that can not separate.
The other thing if you shoot it slow enough, as it is a pistol bullet, you probably would never have a problem. But hunting with a 45 colt or long colt bullet at colt velocities is certainly different than what most of ask from a bullet shot from a ML, especially a fast twist bore.
And congrats on the harvest....