I`m a big bore fan, but shot placement is every thing in hunting. If you go with the .357 mag. and try for only double lung shot you will have no problem takeing deer. I`ve taken 4 deer in the last 3 years with a .357 max. with 158 gn. XTP bullets, but limit my self to side shots with it also as I don`t think the bullets will get enough penitration from the rear, I pretty much blow them appart, but into the lungs and they don`t go far.