Having used all three, I’d pick the Max, any day, over the 223…at least for your criteria. That also means I’d pick the 357 mag from a carbine/rifle over the 223, as well. 357/358 bullets from 158-180 just work on deer. A cast 158-180 will likely out penetrate any 223 hunting load, from what I’ve seen. Either is FAR more pleasant to shoot from a shorter barrel, as far as muzzle blast goes. Recoil is a longer shove that’s very easy for small shooters to handle all day at the range. Yes, the 223 works in that capacity just fine, and I still use it. It’s flatter, and I can do other things at other ranges the 357s aren’t better for. While many of us don’t notice blast so much, new shooters do. My wife hates shooting my 223s without suppressors. She’d shoot the max and 158s all day, and has.
