Either one would be a good choice. The 44 Magnum has more knock down power, especially inside of 100 yards. There is something about a large frontal area + heavy weight that just has a lot of knock down power. I think the 357 Max has better ballistics with more pointed bullets when getting out a little further (flatter trajectory). If I was going to use it for deer hunting only, I would go with the 44 Mag. If I wanted it for deer hunting, plinking, truck gun, I would go with the 357 Max. You can load up lighter bullets and get out over 2000 fps with out much recoil; if you reload. If you do not reload, then the 44 magnum is the clear winner.