When the 357 was introduced somebody (forgot who) killed a polar bear with it to prove it was amazingly powerful!.
I shot two whitetail doe with a .357 Ruger SP101, 3-inch barrel (low velocity), and 158 g Hornady XTP. Worked well at less then 40 yards. I killed one whitetail buck with my Ruger Blackhawk in 45 colt and 250 grain hard cast. Made a big hole all the way through. I killed two whitetail and two mule deer with a 30-30 Ackley Improved T/C Contender with a 14-inch barrel and various bullets. Even with this small sample, I'm pretty confident that with my average handgun shooting skill, I'm best off keeping my distance small and hone my stalking skills. Any of the chamberings are capable for the animals you list. They all work for black bear too!
Bill
