I'd go right to the .44 Mag. The .41Mag is a fine caliber, and certainly enough gun to hunt whitetails at reasonable handgun ranges, but another factor you should consider, unless you're made of money, is the cost and availability and selection of ammo (this goes for a handloader too, as .41cal bullets are harder to find, have fewer options and cost as much or more from what I've seen). .44Mag is to the handgun hunting world what the .30-06 is to rifle hunters. Because of its more than adequate performance coupled with relatively inexpensive and readily available ammo, one can hardly go wrong with a .44 Mag for anything up to Elk sized game.

If you do handload (and I firmly believe that everyone should), another option not to be overlooked is the .45 Colt. It's making a strong comeback since the recent interest in "Cowboy Action Shooting," and with the newer ultra-strong revolvers (like the Ruger Blackhawk, Redhawk and Super Redhawk, as well as the T/C Contender single shot), the .45 Colt can be safely handloaded to well beyond the limits set for revolvers of the smokeless transition era. I load .45 Colt loads with 250gr bullets (for my SRH .454 Casull) up to velocities of 1250fps or better (my chronographs busted[:@]), which gives the .44 Mag a run for its money.

Now, if you want a real heavy hitter, without mortgaging the house, you could go with the Ruger SRH in .454 Casull. Mine will easily launch a 240gr XTP-Mag at 1700fps or better, and thats considered a moderate load. I've seen data that has the 240grainers trucking out a 7.5" bbl at over 1900fps! The downside to all that power is stout recoil. The .454 Casull definately takes dicipline and practice to master. The good news is that the .454 will readily accept the much lighter .45 Colt ammo, making it a very versatile caliber option.

Good luck,

Mike