I just shot my second with my 41 bisley yesterday afternoon. The doe yesterday and the buck last year both went down after a quick 40 yard dash with a hole in their heart. I don't load too hot (~1,200 fps) but those xtp's still break shoulders and pass on through. Very accurate load with 2400 or 296. (2400 is a little better in mine.) YMMV.

I'd recommend it over the 44 or 45 for deer. A little less recoil than the 44, flatter shooting, and just as accurate as any 44 I've had. As you say though, getting bullets for it has been a bear lately. To make it worse for me, my bisley doesn't shoot worth a darn with any cast bullets I've tried. LOVES xtp's though so I guess I'm ok.