Well I have a 357Max, 41 and 44 in 10" barrels. The recoil is less for the 41 than the 44, however I have never found the 44 objectionable like most do. I have shot a lot of deer with the 357 and they generally go about 100 yards but always end up dead. I have shot two deer with a 41 and one fell in its tracks and the other took about 2 steps. I used to hunt with the 357 all the time but now usually use the 41 or 375 Win. I have 500 brand new 357Max brass and have been thinking about selling the barrel and brass since I just do not seem to use it much anymore.