Best thing is to get to a range and to see what you can handle. I was little nervous shooting a .44 magnum the first time, but actually found it wasn't that bad. It was a Ruger Redhawk with a longer barrel (not sure the length) - a bigger and heavier pistol that soaked up the recoil pretty good. I actually found it more pleasant to shoot than my friends compact SIG in .40 cal.

People hear horror stories and get afraid for no good reason. I'm not a huge guy (6 foot, 175 pounds) and the .44 mag was very pleasant to shoot. We weren't shooting super hot loads, but in my mind, shooting a moderate .44 mag load is better than a hot .357 load.

Depends on if your state allows the use of a semi-auto to hunt with. Here in Illinois, we are not allowed to use a semi to deer hunt with, just revolvers and single shots. I will agree with the 10mm. Its a beast to hunt with. In some instances, better than the 45 ACP.

I have a tc encore in .308, recoil isn't bad and I can shoot 2" groups, off hand with iron sights at 100 yds. awesome gun. I agree .357 mag will kill a deer but so will a .22 long rifle. The problem is tracking or finding a blood trail. With low velocity rounds go to the big caliber rounds.

FRITZ1, nice revolver. I too agree that the .44 is a good choice.