Bill, I save the 180 & heavier Nosler Partitions for elk & larger animals where more penetration may be needed. Though, the front of the Partition does expand readily, even on smaller deer.

For quicker kills of deer and smaller, I greatly favor the 165, either a Nosler Partition, or my favorite deer bullet, the 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tip. That thing has been sudden death for whitetail, mule deer, antelope, elk and black bear... Accurate. Expands quickly but that thick base helps it hold together to penetrate sufficiently. "Book" loads get it up over 2900 fps with no problem.

Couple of years ago I used only that bullet, and made one-shot drops on antelope, mule deer, elk & black bear. Same rifle, same bullet on all of 'em. The mule deer did need a finishing shot when I walked up to him, but he hadn't gone anywhere. In each case that 165 Nosler Ballstic Tip did a fine job. For me, those Ballistic Tips, in 30 cal, 25 cal and 6mm are pretty much perfect deer bullets.

Regards, Guy