RE: Lyman 54 cal. pistol for deer ?
I would think it would do the job IF you limit yourself to 25 yards as you stated. That pistol should be able to do what a bow can do. But I think your powder charge of 30 grains is too low - I'd push it up to 50. Remember, theold 44-40 Winchester cartridge used inlever action riflesand pistols has killed afair number of deer over the years. That load was typically a 200 grain lead bullet over 40 grains black powder.