RE: Shot placement for dropping deer in thier tracks
My favorite shot is the shoulder shot. Not behind the shoulder, but right through the shoulder blade itself. This shot does several things. For one, it helps the bullet to expand and deliver the required energy to actually knock the deer down. Number 2, it allows for a large margin of error either heart or lungs. Number 3, the bone fragments actually act as projectiles penetrating the heart and lungs.
I like to line the botton reticle of the cross hairs up with the front leg of the deer and aim about mid-shoulder. I've never had a deer run off when this shot is properly placed.
I rarely if ever shoot free-handed over 100 yards. I prefer to rest the forearm of the rifle on the rail of my stand or shoot from a bipod from a prone position.