100 yards is what I would say. In hardwoods or a pine thicket that could be a pretty long way. The real draw to me in a pistol caliber lever gun was always the Trapper models they use to make with a 16" barrel. That was handy in a thick spot or made a good tracking gun. I have never had a lot of interest in a 20 inch pistol caliber gun for deer hunting purposes. They made the same 16" guns in .30-30 so I would still rather have that over the .44 as well.

Ol' Elmer was a heckuva self promoter. I am sure he was actually a heck of a shot, but when he wrote about some of his exploits, his witnesses were no longer around. Convenient.

44 mag is just fine for Alabama deer. 240 grains moving at magnum velocity slightly enhanced with a longer barrel will do the job if placed properly up to 150 yards and I would be using as heavy a bullet that would shoot accurately in my gun. Most of the other factors are out of your control.

My good friend Chris uses one for deer and has been for years. His buddy hand loads the bullets for him.