If you exclusively take standing broadside shots and put them in the boiler room, you're probably going to be fine with a 130 SST. Likewise with shooting at a distance once they've shed some velocity for shoulder shots. Unfortunately, I haven't had a standing shot opportunity at a whitetail buck since the 90's, and have had only shot 2 standing does in that time. I will take a running shot with confidence as that's what I grew up with. Those shots, depending on circumstance, typically land in the neck or shoulder. An SST, or any bullet for that matter, placed in the neck will likely result in drt. However, after a shoulder shot on a running buck at 100 yards, taking the deer off it's feet and watching it slide to a stop in chopped corn stalks, then watching it get up and hop the fence onto a property I didn't have permission to hunt and not leaving a drop of blood anywhere, I will avoid the 130 SST for the opportunities I have. They're not a bad bullet, as long as you realize their limitations. Either take boiler room shots only at reasonably close ranges, or let them shed some velocity before attempting a shoulder shot. I know how frustrating it is to lose an animal, and I've seen similar results in my hunting party with the lighter 30-06 rounds at close range.
