That is the problem you are going to find with the standard cap and ball revolvers. I own one. With a max load of 35 grains I would not shoot an animal past 25 yards and then I would really have to have a perfect shot that I knew was going into the heart.. and maybe a good tracking dog to help find it. They just were not intended to hunt with. They were designed to kill people. Little else. Just meant to punch a hole in a person was all they were supposed to do. And as the human race proved, they did it quite well. I shoot JSG 3f out of mine. And with the standard load, at 25 yards it will penetrate a 2 inch old dry spruce plank. Which is impressive mind you. But hunting quality? Well maybe at 25 yards. Also it will place the shots quite well at that distance. But in my day, I was considered a rather good shot with a handgun. I have hunted with modern handguns and used a .44 magnum and taken deer out to 40 yards with it.

If I were going to hunt, it would be a Traditions Vortex pistol. Traditions a while back also had a BuckHunter (I think it was) model. And it would hold 70 grains of powder and a roundball. It might be one shot, but I think you stuff 70 grains of powder down them, with a good bullet that should do 50 yards. But I would really have to be comfortable with it.

A lot of people claim the Walker Colts could be used to hunt with. They had a max load of 50 grains. So your shooting 50 grains and a .457 roundball. Not much of a load, but again, if accurate, placed and close enough... should do the job.

I will not swear to it, but I think the Stainless Steel Ruger's will handle a pretty good charge. Also they are a fine weapon. But you will pay dear for them. And again, I really think your limited in range. Even if you are a good shot.