As aweful as it sounds, if you blow that deers guts up or out, it still won't go far. A small hole in the guts it will go a long way. Eventually did a painfully death.
Breaking important bones is also part of stopping vs killing.
Shock. A near brain miss with a more powerful cartridge might stun an elephant. Whereas from a lighter bullet, next to no effect.
Adrenalin plays a big part too. Wounded and angry, harder to put down.
-------------------- John aka NitroX
...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"