I hunt whitetail with a 4" 629 and I would call 25 yds an average shot,I also bowhunt with traditional archery equipment and five yards is what I call a close shot,I wouldnt use 44 special anything,I would use 180 grain factory loads if you are concerned with recoil,if you handload try 240 grain bullets over eight grains of bullseye its my favorite practice load and a 240 grain bullet at 1150 feet per second out of your 4" barrel packs enough punch for deer at moderate ranges,remember no matter what you use shot placement is the most important thing keep in mind these are just my opinions