There is a load that makes a 40 a deer stopper to 50 yds. Its the MAG-SAFE and was developed using live goats for testing. Its designed for law enforcement and prevents bullet/fragments traveling thru walls or exiting targets and posing a threat to other officers, but if used cautiously and properly while hunting deer sized game or smaller, they can be LETHAL. The bullet itself is typically half the weight of normal bullets, therefore the velocity is GREATLY improved. I have some for my 38 and the listed velocity is 1500+fps and the power of the loads vary with which type ammo you get (availabe in different levels like patrol, SWAT etc). They are essentially a hollowpoint with several pellets held in the cavity with a special resin. The results when hitting " body material" and ballistic gelatin is AWESOME.

Testing results showed that a little 380 with MagSafes had quicker knockdown/out times on the goats than did a 44mag loaded with standard ammo. I would hold my shots to strictly broadside BEHIND the front shoulder or a true neckshot that would unplug the nervous system. They were desigined to penetrate tissue, not heavy bone.

GOOD luck,
RA