MarineStud;

I've taken 6 N.Y. whitetails with a handgun - 3 with the .357mag Ruger BlackHawk and 158gr JHPand 3 with the .44mag Ruger Super BlackHawk 240gr JHP.
I personnaly shoot the .357mag better than the .44 (I flintch). I never missed with the .357 out to about 60 yds. I hit but could not find 3 whitetails when using the .44. The ones that I killed with the .44 did not go down any quicker than the ones taken with the .357.

If you like shooting the .44, then that would be the better choice, but if you are like me, then the .357may bethe way to go.

As others have said, it's bullet placement that counts