We did deflection experiments too, but we used a heavy screen of still growing, natural willow, with a Deer Silhouette target right behind it. We shot from typical bush hunting distances of 25 and 75 yards. Not a very scientific method but we repeated it a few times. Generally the shot still hit the vitals in the deer. Some shots were deflected but not enough to miss or just wound. Some of the lighter, faster bullets did separate and then you got more than one entry wound. Because it was a paper target there is no real way to know the weight of the projectiles after the split, so penetration may have been an issue.
The 350 and 400 grain 45-70 rounds at 1600 fps also deflected, but not as much as lighter and faster rounds, and we never had one split up, even the Hornady 350 grain RN. In all calibres, cast bullets were less prone to deflection, and none broke up. We used cast in 30, 284, 38-55 and 45-70.
I think the live willow would be easier to move through and would deflect less, than hard, dry 1/4" wood dowels so that may explain some of our difference3s in results.
