I've used .357mags in rifles and revolvers (and once in a Desert Eagle) for whitetails, I personally set my limits with this round at 50yrds in a pistol and 75yrds in a rifle. I never got the opportunity to take a deer at anything over 55yrds with the rifle, and only 35yrds with the revolver.

With factory ammo, the .357mag rifle is limited considerably compared to what rifles are capable of. Factory ammo is loaded down in deference to pistols, most rifle receivers are capable of withstanding a bit more pressure than their stubby counterparts. Handloading ammunition can tap this extra power.