Casull,
I hit her tight behind the shoulder which would have been the lung area. It didn't come to rest in the tenderloin, it came out the front of her neck so I am assuming it was a ricochet. A change of direction, ricochet, whichever but there was a broken rib on the off side and that's what led me to believe it was a ricochet. I was shooting at her on level ground from about 140 yards away, broadside, having her left side facing me. You know how they do sometimes, moving their heads from side-to-side and stomping their forelegs. That's what she was doing. She saw me but just didn't make the decision to split fast enough.
R.J.,
Oh, I'm sure you're an expert marksman. The U.S. Army seemed to think I was, too. Congratulations on your two deer also. Just because someone can shoot straight doesn't mean you shouldn't use the best bullet possible. There's no sane reason NOT to if one chooses to. I realize deer aren't animals that normally take a premium bullet to kill but having a little extra insurance does cultivate the feeling that you've done all you can do to make sure the bullet you're sending is going to do its' job. There isn't anything worse than a lost animal.
Beamanbeme,
I believe that's what happened with the doe. I was shooting at an sharp downhill angle when I hit her and maybe I did hit a little higher than I'd wanted, I don't know. Her body cavity was full of blood, you were right on that. That was two or three years ago and I have a hard time recalling much more than that. I do remember, however, that I felt the bullet was the problem at the time, for whatever reason. Still, everyone has an opinion and mine is that I don't like the Core-Lokt so I will be going with this Federal Fusion. It's a good bullet without a big price tag. Glad you've had good luck with the Remington product. Good hunting!