I had a nice buck climb a very steep gully bank that was about 80 yds. deep. I watched it all the way up, just crossing my fingers it would take the well beaten path as I was 5 yards from that path at the top well hidden behind a huge stump. It stoped right in front of me. I took an aim with a rest and hit it where I thought was the perfect shot. It went down, jumped back up and ran along the ridge, I never saw it again. At best, I had a ham shot after it got up so didn't get off another round. I did find some blood but it was only one tiny spot about 60 yds from where I shot.
After that, I bought a .44 mag. and have 5 deer kills. 5 for 5 and all of them either droped within 6 feet or as far as 10 yards away from where they were shot. One was a neck shot as I was sitting under a tree and a deer walked right up to me on the high side of the tree. If I had a long gun, I would not gotten the shot.
I hunt with the .44 mag Ruger single action 71/2" stainless with Magnaporting, action trigger job, spring kit etc. all from Magnaport Arms. I shoot light hand loads 240 gr. Hornady JHP's. It recoils between the .38 and .357 IMO. Very soft and accurate shooting with my hand loads. It is by far my favorite hunting revolver.
I agree, a .357 should do the job if you get the perfect hit. I didn't get it!