If the downrange energy is there then it is all in shot placement. Seems a bit small to me but hey the poachers kill deer with 22's? You should check the state reg's tho and make sure there is no size constraints on handgun hunting.
Adkbear

It is toward the lower end of the spectrum for deer, but also packs a whallop. Did have to get a 6" barrel to meet legality in WI. Cor-Bon makes some ammo for it that nearly reaches the energy of factory .44 Mag rounds! I have no doubt that if I do my job, then the bullets will do theirs. We can carry a rifle simultaneously so if the shot is not as I would like, I simply pick up my .308 and shoot! Thanks for the input, ADKBEAR.

I wouldn't use Cor-Bon ammunition for hunting. Yes, on paper it has very high energy, but is it "useful" energy in a hunting situation?

Cor-Bon is intended as self-defense ammunition. As such, they attempt to limit penetration and instead increase the shock effect of being hit. This is good for putting down the bad guy, but very bad for insuring a clean, one-shot kill.

If you're going to use the 10mm I would recommend getting a load that is heavy for caliber and likely to penetrate well.

Donmillion, normally I would agree about the Cor-Bon ammo, but these are not self-defense rounds.
The Cor-bon load I mention is a hunting load. 180 grain bonded core jacketed soft point. It is not their typical high velocity HP. Hard to find though. Probably just stick to the XTPs.

Really? I'm surprised. I didn't know that Cor-Bon made anything but self-defense loads. If they're purpose-made for hunting, then I'm sure they'd be adequate for deer. Cor-Bon certainly has a reputation for making quality ammunition.

Yeah. They offer a few different hunting loads for .357, .44, .454 Casull, etc. Pretty potent stuff. They still have all their normal personal protection stuff.