Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
P95, numerous "Deflection Tests" on bullets by brush have been done over the last 60 years. Regardless of bullet caliber or type, the key factor seems to have been the distance from the (twig/branch) to the target. So, yeah, I'd say you're on the right track. A minute angular deflection becomes enough to cause a miss at some distance--and it's commonly measured in feet...
Art
Art