Rapidly losing strength despite caloric deficit being minor & hitting macros?
Hi all, i've been lifting for nearly two years now, i train 4 days a week (PHUL program) and consistently hit my caloric and sleep needs. I'm very new to cutting and have some questions. I've been bulking most of the time i've been lifting (185lb to 212.5lb), and i decided to start cutting my calories back in April. Since then, I have dropped to 206lb at 6'2 which is about .4lbs loss per week.
The main change to my diet was dialing back from 600g white rice to 400g white rice (cooked weight per day), along with not snacking at night (Usually had some greek yogurt and granola when hungry +/ 350 cals). Despite this seemingly minor drop in calories, my strength tanked, especially in my squats. My calories + macros are 2,400 calories, 180g protein, 185g carbs, and 100g fat. I went from back squatting 305lb 4x5 and bench pressing 215 4x5 to currently squatting 255 4x5 and benching 210 4x3.
I understand that some strength loss is expected on a cut, but is it normal to this degree? Do i just accept that for however long i'll be cutting I won't be progressing in strength? Or am i doing anything wrong?