RE: Semi-Auto Pistol, Range/Deer gun.. Suggestions?
 

I beg to differ with a few of the posts here.

If you are looking for a do it all caliber, the 10MM is it. It's more powerful than any 357 and some 41 mags. Good for any deer out to at least 50 yards. Also works wonders on Wild Boar. I even know guys that have Elk hunted with it at Bow ranges. The downside is the guns are usually expensive, except for the glock. For instance my Dan Wesson Global Hunter is a 10mm 1911 with a 6 " barrel and a rail. It is running around $950.

One option in an auto loader is to go the 45ACP route and convert it to 45Super. Almost as powerful as the 10MM, and when handloading just as powerfull. I did this in one of my 1911's for $8 by replacing the recoil & firing pin spring. This is by far the most cost effective route. For instance you can pick up a Springfield GI 1911 for around $400 and use it for target, then swap recoil springs to shoot 45 Super for deer.