It's interesting that most would agree that using a handgun vs long gun to hunt is somewhat handicapping yourself, or making the hunt "more challenging". Same with using open sights vs optics.

Somehow using lesser calibers vs larger isn't viewed the same way?

If I was not a reloader It would be difficult to pony up the money for the premium .45 Colt loads needed for my deer hunting.

I see more factory .44 mag load offerings than any .45, .454 or other loads on my gun store shelves.

For several years I hunted whitetails with a Colt King Cobra .357 Magnum using 180 grain Remington factory loads. Killed deer quick when I did my part. I never felt under gunned.

Blonds, brunettes and redheads guys.

Lol!!! My wife says I prefer brunettes and 44's, and am just fine with the one 44 I hunt with, and the one brunette that fixes my dinner.

Now there's a man who won't be paying any alimony!
I'm a minimalist when it comes to the .429 chamber, bore it a little deeper for me cause I'm using a 444 marlin in there!
I might only have one shot at a time, but I can guarantee a pass thru shot... don't recommend for use with dangerous game.
Love the perspective that have been brought to light with this streaming thread. ...Carry on!

So, what was the original question?

To try and answer the original question I would say that if you can shoot well with the 44mag its a good hunting revolver. If you can shoot well with a 45 colt its a good hunting revolver. If you can shoot... the list can go on.

What it boils down to is your ability to handle the gun, and your ability to make hits at ranges where your comfortable. Depending on the day and where I will be hunting I will use either my 454 casull or 357 mag. Both have and will continue to take deer with both factory and hand loads. Everyone has their own opinion on velocity and weights, my opinion use what your gun likes. I have seen both good performance and bad performance of hollow point rounds, but I have managed to down those deer because the shots were placed well. Some times I just had to walk a little farther.