that little 240 grain .44 caliber XTP should work well on deer. I figure if its placed in the main vital organs, aiming at the heart and lower lungs.. that should be all it needs. I've read some of the posts of XTP shooters and all sounds like they are an effective bullet. I think with 85 grains of powder and close range a pass through might also be possible. I was glad to see they shot that well.