Originally Posted by
Gm54-120
The only problem ive had with the XTP is that it has not performed consistently on media tests. Sometimes it does fine and other times it comes apart. Even the 475-325gr was not consistent and its a big bullet.
In all honesty on game, i never had a problem except with the XTP mags. On a couple of kills expansion appeared to be minimal but without a heart or lungs left intact didn't matter much.
GoldDots/DeepCurls on the other hand have been very consistent and the price is close enough to XTPs. Accuracy has been as good or better, so i see no reason to buy XTPs IF i can buy GD/DCs instead.
When the buck of a life time comes in view of my crosshairs, i dont want to worry about "what ifs" or be forced to wait for the perfect broadside presentation. Although i usually do wait for a nice broadside shot which im pretty sure will take out the heart and pass through. A humane kill at a variety of reasonable shot presentations, impact velocities and ranges is at the top of my list when i hunt.
IMO the GD/DC fills these requirements in the "affordable" bullet category better than most other brands.
To each his own of course, but I hunted entirely with Deep Curls last year and while it's only 1 year's experience, I was not impressed by them enough to choose them over XTPs.
In fact, 1 deer I found zero blood. Another I only found a few spots about the size of #4 shot. Of course they killed the deer, but it wasn't a dramatic improvemnt over XTPs that I was told to expect.