75 yards? Sounds like you have the answer with the 44 Mag. It's a great close range deer caliber. My father hunted with one for years and years and his Marlin 336 in 44 Mag now resides in my safe...all 4 of my brothers and I took deer with that rifle at one time or another and 2 took elk with it. We always used 240 grain HP's but 200g rounds will do the job as well. I like lever guns for close range shooting, the handle quickly and no optics required. Other options I would consider if you want to buy something is a 30-30, 35 Rem, 32 Spcl, 357 Mag...all available in reasonably priced lever guns and will certainly do the job for your hunt.