Would love to hear more about your cast loads and your rifle when you can.

I didn't mention it above, but based on the November hunting trip, I invested in a range finder, as I had passed on a shot the day before because of distance. I borrowed my hunting partner's range finder later that day and found our I was definitely more conservative than I needed to be. On the plus side, I suspect I shot the same deer a day later, but on firm ground vs having to haul him out of a marsh.

I will also be practicing much more with any new-to-me rifle before going into the woods with it -- confidence in your gun, load and abilities is critical to fully enjoying the moment, vs over thinking.