I agree that some may/do have issues that were related to Shot placement. Happens more often as guys get exited and just aim at the Deer and not a spot as stated. Muzzleloader hunting/shooting helped me get control of that. Patients and some discipline really helps with limiting those failures. Then again deer a living moving target and crap can happen just when the trigger is pulled.
So far I have only taken one deer with my .450 and that was last Fall. The FTX definitely did its job placed right though both lungs, was quite careful with my shot placement. What I did not expect was the exit wound and the Spray I got. Yes blood from the lungs can and will spray out but in my years of hunting never saw anything like this. It looked like the bullet had over expanded and may have been starting to come apart, I don't think it did but think it was close. I wish I had a pic of what I am talking about but I don't usually carry a camera, and definitely not my phone with me in the field. This is just my opinion since I had nothing recovered (Bullet or Fragments) to look at. I had issues with the bullet from a MZ a
long time ago but it was just the opposite and it was way back when I shot pellets. I know now that the 2 pellet loads was not enough velocity to get the bullet to work properly. I personally would just like to have something a little better. BUT If someone came to me asking what Factory load to shoot in a 450BM my first recommendation is the Hornady Custom 250Gn FTX or the Black. I got a box and it shoots right with my Hand loads.
I have taken 4 deer with the Lehigh CF or Bloodline. It took me a LONG time to get my mind wrapped around how it worked even with Sabotloader showing us all the pics. First deer I got I was totally amazed, and sold on them. My experience with them is why I contacted them about it. Don't know the outcome of their testing with it but so far not listed for sale.
Another Bullet I have been watching here is the Fury. I find it an interesting bullet design. I contacted them this past weekend (Sunday) to ask about a bullet for the .450BM. He actually responded later Sunday, that shocked me! He does make them for the .450BM but they are not the same bullet that is used in the ML. Just said he had to make them harder but did not elaborate. He said it was a different process for making a cartridge rifle bullet then for an ML. I plan to get back with them next Month to see about getting some to try. The Bullet that he has that would fit in my magazine for sure is the Un-Tipped Star tip bullet. The Tipped version looked like it would be too long to fit my Mag for sure. A Remington style mag well or a single shot probably would not have that OAL issue. Its too late fore me to get any to try this year as I am headed out to Se Ohio this coming Saturday for a couple weeks. Its almost my turn to get in the woods!
The RA 450BM is making the trip but plan to start with my Knight KRB. Hope to get a repeat of last year with a Deer for each!