RE: .357 mag lever action for deer?
The brother of one of my close friends killed a buck a couple of years ago with the .357 Lever gun. The distance was about 40 yds., so I'm told, and the deer only ran a short distance and piled up. I can't tell you what for ammo was used, or if he got an exit hole. I do know that my buddy was amazed at the performance and the damage created by it.
I think Paul is right when he said that within certain distance constraints, it should work OK. I'd also add that you would want to pick your shots pretty carefully, I would think, with a broadside being the best, or neck if you are close and confident of you and your gun's abilities.......