Check State Regs !!!!
Here in Ohio, handgun hunting is allowed, but .357 is minimum caliber and gun must have at least 6" barrel.
I have had excellent results with good old 158 SWCHPs at 1500+ fps from my 8" Dan Wesson. I have been thinking of trying 180gr LBT bullets, but why 'fix' something that ain't broke?
I limit myself to 75 yds MAX and use iron sights. Yes, I can hit 6 for 6 shots inside 6" at this distance, no problem.