A long time ago Guns and ammo did an atical on the walker. they compaed it to the 45 colt and 357 and 44mag. now they did slant the artical some they used a light 44mag load. they used a 158gr 357 mag load. It penatrated more than the 44mag with 180gr load "which is light for the 44mag' they said it had more power than the factory load in the 45 colt. smoklees powder but cowboy still load' they said it proformed closley to the 357. So yes it should be a capable deer round as long as the range is close and the shot's are put where they are aimed. ---i have a 1858 rem. i cary it when i am hunting 30gr powder chage 180gr conical and wonder wads. i have goten 5 round groups of 2 1\2 inches at 25yds off hand. out of the first cliinder load. And i havebeen able to keep a coffey can rolling through 5 rounds starting at 15 yds and going out. i like mine i oiginaly bought it as a back up for hunting. but totell the truth i shot it a lot more than i expected i would. i use the 30gr charge and the wonder wads and hornday roundballs for the shoting. i got it at the starting of bp seasion nov. last year i have went through 3 full powder flask. i have noidea how many times i have shot it.