While not deer, the 69 grain .224 does an explosive job on ground hogs under 100 yards and the 77cc plowed through about 12" of coyote including both shoulder bones and exit was about 2", shot was 250ish yards. I'd do some milk jug testing a few times and see if its expands reliably. Back when they were using J4 jackets (same as berger's hunting line at the time) I'd say go for it. But it’s my understanding they make their own jackets now...