I have shot deer at that distance before with the rifle I was using, a 325 short mag with no problem, when I shot he just leaped off into the bedding area and there was no blood hair or nothing.
Stumpy
... have found more than a few deer with
no visable sign - they don't always leave a blood trail - many factors can be involved - no exit is usually #1 ...
...
260 yards - that range should be absolutely
"no problem" for a short mag - what are you zero'ed at - how was the buck standing when you took the shot - how did you feel about the shot -
steady rest ??
How far, & how long, did you look for the buck ??
... good luck with this one Stumpy - if all was good with the shot, I hope you find him - sounds like a great deer ...