I’ll stick to common calibers on this subject, three of note in order of effectiveness in my observation. My observations also extend to hunting outside of Alabama in some brush that is extremely stout. Please note that I always try to take a clear shot but sometimes that picture doesn’t play out the way it looked in the scope. My personal experience shows very little deflection, just tears the limbs up. I think there are many variables, but I do believe in a true “brush gun”. I find a shotgun in theory a candidate but in action...Nope.

The 35 Whelen
444 Marlin
45/70

I have a relative that uses a 35 Whelen for primitive season, if y’all could see the size tree the bullet went through and still killed the buck, you’d agree its #1

I use a 444 and I’m always astounded. I also use 44 Mag with great results.

The 45/70 with hotter velocity works in brush but its tree puncturing is hindered by the diameter of the 45 cal