I killed 3 deer with my 357s, so I am by no means an expert with the caliber. I used 158 XTP on top of H110 an could shoot the round well. Last year I killed a small doe, she dropped in her tracks. As I walked up on her I attempted a head shot at 4 feet....and missed the next round found its mark (funny you still have to aim at those distances). Afterwards my ears rang for 5 hours. Looking at the entry and exit wounds which were small, I contemplated the other two deer I had killed and decided to look for a round that would not be as loud and would make a bigger hole. I am using a 45 colt pushing a 320gr wfn cast at @1100. It has more power, bigger holes, it doesn't hurt my ears to fire sans ear protection (only hunting or taking a walk), and I honestly don't think the recoil is as harsh. The last past is pure subjection but it's a heavy slower push and not a pop. But when it's all said and done the 357 will work just fine.