OK I just had my .357 Smith 686 with a new 6" barrel. The smith ste the barrel / cylinder gap at .004, fixed the end shake and tightened up the lockup. It is nice. I plan to handgun hunt deer this year and have other guns so here goes.

1. Is the .357 enough gun for deer in Indiana ?
2. Reloading what load would do the job ?
3. Factory ammo ?

Should I move up tp a 41, 44 or 45 I have all 3 calibers.

I have a 686 and it is a great shooter.I shot a small whitetail years ago and it worked well enough but the deer was only 20 yards away.I you have the bigger calibers I would go with one of them.I have four 44 mag and two 45 caliber handguns any of these will work alot better at a longer range.

just my .02

try the remington semi jacketed hollow point. i shoot a deer with one in a 357 max and it is awesome im up in northern indiana. jason

Denny, the .357 is enough for deer if you choose your shots and distance carefully. I have taken two doe with my Dan Wesson .357 8" pistol with the 158grn Jacketed Hollow Points and one with a Hornady XTP. All were shot within 50 yds. All were good broadside shots, on relaxed deer from a rest. I practiced with that pistol out to 100yds all the time when I got it and was confident with it. I still carry it sometimes when I hunt in elevated stands that would present shots behind me at close distances where I couldn't get a good shot with my rifle.
Good factory 158grn JHP's will do the trick if you don't reload. The first one I shot was with factory Remington ammo.
Good luck with your hunting rig.

Mike