I think you're set but you really don't need that much bullet.
Why not? I've shot deer with everything from my .357 to the .460. At the range I shot the deer with the .357 I probably used "too much bullet". They all ended up dead, all died quickly and humanely, kinda what hunting is all about.
Nonsense. This is assuming that 3.5" at 100yds is unheard of for any other cartridge. It ain't.
Never assumed that and never said it was. The statement of mine that you quote only referred to the inherent accuracy of the X-Frame revolvers and RC's statement that
gspn could not shoot it as accurately as his .41.
Sure, it will do a fine job but there's no good reason to use such a massive revolver and cartridge for killing deer at 100yds or less. It's way more of everything than necessary.
Folks could say the same for a 30-06 rifle, probably the most popular deer cartridge in the U.S. Most folks use them and get their deer within 100 yards. Still, the reason they use them is not just for those sub 100 yard shots, but having a firearm along that will perform very well past 100 yards. Folks hunt with just about everything under the sun, sometimes because it's all they can afford, many times it's just what they like. No need for 30-30 TC's either, but folks use 'em.
This is about my limit for such duties and it's about two pounds lighter than your X-frame but will be more effective on larger game than the .460.
The effectiveness part is purely subjective. Like most of your post here. But hunting is all about subjectiveness and personal choices. Some folks pay big bucks to hunt domesticated(so called exotics) animals behind high fences, sitting in a big box next to a feeder. In that scenario, even your Ruger is probably too much gun. Some folks ride around in an ATV till they spot the animal they paid for and get out and shoot it. Some folks buy their own piece of property and hunt it without fencing in the animals and some folks hunt public land where they have to compete with others. In many areas around here, parcels are small and the chance of a wounded deer, even well hit making it to the neighbors fence line is good. Many folks are great neighbors, but deer hunting changes everything. Many times the thinking is, a deer on your side of the fence may be yours, but once he's on my side, he's mine. Folks use more than a minimal caliber to make sure an animal stays on their side of the fence. Much of the public land I hunt is swamp. Even well hit deer head towards deep water, sometimes they make it. I use my .460 not only for those shots past 125 yards, but also to try and make the bloodtrail stop before it hits waist deep water. Something folks hunting high fence ranches don't know about. I also still use the .357s and .44s when I feel they are more appropriate. It's nice to have a choice. Sometimes it's just nice to use something different.
I care less what folks use for hunting deer as long as it's legal, ethical and they are proficient with it. For most folks, the idea of hunting with a handgun sounds like a neat thing to do. Many of these folks are the same ones that only shoot their deer rifle once before every season. They think they can get away with that with their handgun too. We both know it don't work that way. Unlike others here, I don't feel what I use is always the best or the most appropriate for every other hunter. I know, odds are, my scenarios and personal preferences are different than theirs. I don't criticize what others use, don't know why you feel that need, but you do. So be it.
