Thoughts on a 357 rifle under 75 yards for whitetail

[Purebred Redneck]

I'm out in Missouri

I have a Savage 7mag set up for long range with a 6x18 scope. So it's not too bad for shots over 50 yards.
However for close shots 50 yards and under - there may be some complications.

I used to hunt in Northern Missouri with a lot of open fields. Now I'm hunting in the woods on public land for the last couple years.
And a lever action pistol caliber is something I've always wanted.

I would be putting maybe 500 shots a year through the gun.
Factory 38 specials or reloaded 44/45's would be the direction I'd be looking at.
Big bore factory rounds are running about 25 bucks for 50 rounds. Just too costly.