most of my muzzleloader bullet experience is on deer. I have never really used anything but 100gr load, never seen the need for it. The velocity with 100gr is about the same as .44 mag out of a carbine with the same size bullet- and that will kill anything in north america. The powerbelts in 240gr/ .50 lack penetration, and have failed to impress me, but of course still kill deer, you just may not have an exit at an angle (lost a deer this way, found it 2 days later). the 300grain and up in a powerbelt is still soft, easy opening, and full .50 diameter, but more weight behind it. I helped butcher a half dozen sambar stag shot with this bullet a few years ago, (they are the size of elk cows) and I was quite impressed with the wound channels. in a sabot, just about any soft expanding hp, 240gr or heavier will kill deer reliably, i've used 240gr lead hp ('cheap shot'), hornady xtp, and others. the xtp in a 300gr is a good bullet, opens at lower velocities, and has plenty of mass.. what I've seen with the gold dot/deep curl bullets out of pistols suggests they would be great at .44carbine/ muzz velocities especially in a 240gr+ bullet..