The .45acp works like a champ on whitetail.
It is a low velocity round,big bore like a .44-40, .44Spl,.45 Roundball, etc.
Effective within 50yds no problem. Thats well within treestand distance.

Only about a week ago, I was in conversation in my gunstore hangout, about the upcoming deer season, and handgun hunting for whitetail.
I mentioned I used a handload 225gr .45Colt at appox. 850/900fps for whitetail.
Several people chimed in that the old .45 Colt was a great game getter, etc.
I said,"I meant, a Colt .45acp", and then everyone grimmaced and said I needed a bigger gun.
AFTER THEY ALL HAD AGREED THE COLT WAS FINE AT THAT LOADING!

Funny, change only the name, and it suddenly becomes a spitwad.