I had a Ruger Redhawk with a 2X scope on it for a long time. Took several deer and hogs with it. Good choice. Mine was not super accurate-not bad, I just thought it should have been better.
Sold it and bought a Ruger blackhawk hunter with the Bisley grip. Fantastic shooter! I like the way it carries and the way it shoots. It, too, has been broken as a 'deer killer'. This gun would be my top choice for a deer getter.
I used 240 gr JHP's in both the .44's and they seemed to work great for me.
I have also taken deer with a S&W model 25 in .45 Colt. It, too, was a fantastic shooter. I used 255 gr hard cast SWC in this one cause that is what it liked.
Handgun hunting is just a barrel of fun. Enjoy!