There is the new Glock 40 10mm to consider, with a red dot it could easily be a 100 yard deer gun.
I went through just what you are a few years ago. I very nearly bought a Blackhawk Hunter .44mag but got a 6" S&W 686 .357mag at the last minute and am glad I did. Topped with a 2X Leupold it is a hoot to shoot. My best shot to date with it was a jackrabbit shot in the head at 98 yards. .357mag is plenty for deer with a good heavy bullet. I've pretty much settled on 180gr hard cast.
