re: Ballistics question

Sounds like the bullet's not holding together. That wouldn't be too unusual if the shot's really close range, but at 100-150 yds, it should hold together fine. On deer #1, did the bullet jacket/core separate? I'd definitely go to a stouter bullet. A deer bullet shouldn't have to be a "controlled expansion" bullet in order to behave appropritely. If you like the 280, change bullets. If you don't like it or you've lost confidence in it and no longer trust it, go back to the tried and true '06. If you like the 180 gr bullet, you shouldn't have any trajectory issues hunting inside of 150 yds.

Good luck recovering #3!