I would have to agree that a .44 Magnum is the way to go (unless you choose a .44-40
.) Seriously, the .44 Magnum provides the versatility that will serve in CAS matches (with suitably reduced loads, or using a .44 Special/.44 Russian brass, though I stick with the mangle-em cases), but can be heated up for hunting. The main difficulty with .44 Magnum NOW is that Ruger stopped making the OM Vaquero in that caliber, and it isn't available in the New Model. They still make the Blackhawk/Super in .44 Mag.
The .45 LC isn't a bad choice for hunting, but you simply can't load it up unless using a stronger gun than the Colt's SAA or clones. In addition, in rifles, the .45 LC can present some feed problems, and with BP, you get a lot of blowby. But it is available in both the NM Vaquero, and a number of rifles.
Just MHO.
Merry Christmas!