I have numerous handguns and have tried hunting with many calibers over the years, I've had my best success with 44mag , one shot kills on hogs and deer from 40 to 67yds, my opinion only but if you are anticipating a possible life or death situation then leave as little to chance as possible, use a caliber thats more than adaquite for any potentional threat and one that is as simple as possible i.e. a revolver . I've seen lots of game killed with .357s and .45s but it usually required follow up shots and many times lots of tracking skill. any gun in the right hands in a good situation will do the job, but you can't always count on that happening