Very proud of you Mr. Fulcher.
It's amazing how hunters have "progressed" to the point that they think they need gigantic cartridges to kill a deer. All it STILL takes to kill a deer are holes through both lungs. It really is that simple.
I've been hunting this year with a Bisley repro in 45 Colt. I'm absolutely determined to get a buck with it. Here at the house I've had a couple of opportunities at bucks that weren't legal, and have passed three times on does, all within my 50 yd. range limit. The last time just this evening. We're coming out of a horrible drought and I just can't bring myself to shoot a doe until populations increase.
I've come into possession of a couple of '73's in 38-40 that are 1880's vintage. One I intend to have the barrel relined then it will become my one of my deer rifles. I chronographed some 180 gr. bullets over a compressed charge of Pyrodex P a few days ago and was stunned that five shots averaged 1386 fps. That ought to work just fine!