First post here, hope to learn a thing or two.

I want to get into handgun hunting and have a bunch of questions. I have been hunting for a little over 20 years now and have been a traditional bowhunter for the last 5 years. i use to shoot competition pistol in and out of the military about 12 years ago, never got into it really serious though (just used stock guns). I own a couple S&W wheel guns in 38, one is a 686 with 6" barrel and the other is my CCW and is a 642.

So here are a few questions.

1, with my 686 with hot hand loads would it even be capable if effectively killing deer 30-40 yards and in? i understand a 38 is pretty light and am fully expecting this question to get shot down right out of the gate...

2, what is the effective range of a 357 Mag on deer?

3, are scopes really the ticket? what about red dots?

4, what?s the outer limit for most handgun hunting? i'm very used to myself imposed 25 yards and in since i have been hunting with a recurve and i believe that my help me here vs a rifle hunter who is use to taking 100-300 yard shots on the norm.

i'm ready to be schooled in handgun hunting...