Smith&Wesson Model 25 is a D/A 45ACP revolver that uses half moon clips.Ruger did make a Blackhawk Convertible that had a second cylinder for the 45 ACP.

Ruger Redhawk

I love the 45's for lots of reasons and 45 ACP would eventually kill a deer, but you just can't beat the 44 Magnum in the hunting mode. Lots of good factory ammo, fast, bullets mushroom and tear things up like a rifle (get a decent barrel length) and whatever you hit won't run far. I am very partial to Ruger revolvers although I have gotten a trigger job on every one that I have purchased.

The 45 Auto Rim cartridge has been around since 1920 or so, and the moon clips for the 45 ACP have been around since WW1 when revolvers were being retrofitted to fire the 45 ACP to keep the sidearm ammo consistent with the Colt 1911s. This keptlogistics easier during the war. The 45 Auto Rim was designed to eliminate the need for the moon clips later on.

For deer hunting, the 44 mag will be fine. Keep it within 100 yards for terminal performance when conditions are perfect, and reduce the range depending on angle, lighting, and personal proficiency. I won't shoot past where my groups get to be 6" big. Some states have minimum muzzle energies listed for deer hunting handgun cartridges, and others may list specific calibers. Some states also forbid semiautos for deer hunting.

I carry the S&W 629 -6 incher as a backup to the shotgun during firearm deer seasons. I wear it crossdraw so I can shoot to mystrong side in case I can't swing the long gun around while sitting or standingup against a tree. When using it as a primary game-taking device, I'll throw a red dot or 2x scopeon top and tuck it in a bandolier style holster, but as a backup, the iron sights are fine for me. My front sight has a bright orange insert that will make easy work of surprise up-close shots where speed is a priority. When hunting in heavy cover, the deer can get right on top of you before you see them.

Just sold my S&W 629 Deer Hunter LTD. 650.00 buck with scope.I had it dialed in to 75 yrds....
pd 81/2 for it.

Why'd you sell?

I saw on S&W's site that they are going for $900 now.
Prices have really gone up. Paid $610 for mine 5 years ago brand new.

Put a $75 set of wood grips on it because the exposed backstrap of the N-frame guns does not work well with the rubber grips. The solid wood grip spreads out the recoil better across the web of your hand.

TOP 44 Mag. RUGER 9.5 " , RUGER 45 Long Colt, 7.5" Ruger 22mag. 6.5"
44mag is good for all N.American game. With 9.5 barrell not a lot of kick ,but you need a rest for 100 yd. shots

So I guess the more intelligent question would be should I hunt with .44mag or .454 casull? Both have plinking rounds (.44special and .45lc respectively). How are they for knock down power and availability/cost of ammunition?

I like the 45 lc for 50 yds and under. The 44 mag for over 50 yard. Also If I want to still hunt or stalk, the 45 is easer to carry. Bullet price about the same.

My friend shot a hog with his XD45 yesterday...It shoots 45 acp,but I agree just by looking at the ballistics the 44mag is way stronger.