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Yes, the 357 mag is more manageable. But it is not nearly as good as the 44 mag for whitetail hunting. Some will tell you how they put their whitetail (usually a doe) down with one shot and they dropped like a rock. It happens. But most of these people are carrying a rifle and use the handgun because the shot is close (namely targets of opportunity only). If you are depending on that gun for your whitetail, you'll feel better if you master something a bit larger.
My first 357 mag was for whitetail hunting and any other of the usual purposes (target, self defense, home defense, woods carry, etc.). I soon began reading a lot on handgun hunting and I believe the authors of the day. There is a world of difference stepping up to either a 41 mag or 44 mag from a 357 mag revolver in terms of reliable killing power.
My recommendation is to choose a 41 mag or larger caliber. I have used a 41 mag as it is my favorite big bore caliber. However, a few years back I bought a Ruger Super Redhawk in 480 Ruger and it is plenty of medicine for whitetails or anything in North America that you would typically choose to hunt with a handgun as the primary gun. Takes a lot of practice to master shooting these guns unless you have a high tolerance for recoil. But it is do-able.
If you are thinking "357 mag" due to recoil, then choose a 41 mag in probably a Ruger Blackhawk. That would be a good hunting revolver. Less recoil than a 44 mag, but almost as much killing power. The Blackhawk with a 6.5" barrel would be a good choice.
Happy hunting!
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