My heart goes out to you and others who have had to go through this experience. I greatly commend you for putting your pain and suffering into helping others. Knowing what others are dealing with makes the best support pardners. At age eight my uncle took his life and twenty years later so did...
Do believe that Nosler would get a deer's attention. Would like to see how it behaves in a Whelen doing about 2500-2600fps. Haven't shot many 200gr RN in my Whelen mostly in the 35 Rem.
Probably not unless you're loading for competition. For plinking everyday range time shouldn't be a factor. Check the loads over a conagraph as you shoot from a rest and watch for any group size change per shot. Might be interesting.
One of our range members donated a lead sled said he didn't use it anymore. I've only seen it used once when I have been to the range. Sets lonely in the shooting shack.
You won't have any problem of the AB not expanding. My grandson used them on a bobcat at about 175 yds and it opened up quite nicely. Those BTs gets a deer's attention right now also. Good in a 308 Win for sure.