There's no way I'd feel comfortable using a .36 cal, especially with a ball.
The NMA and '60 Army aren't that dissimilar from the ROA. They hold ~5 grns less. With one of the more potent powders it will still produce similar ballistics as a .50 cal ball from a rifle at 100-125 yds. If a .50 cal ball usually provides a complete passthrough why wouldn't a slightly smaller ball traveling just little faster not do well enough? What, maybe it doesn't passthrough but is found near or under the hide?
But as I said I'd prefer a conical for the mass, and one with a wide flat meplat is well known for doing well.
I've certainly asked plenty of questions for several years and have found maybe 10 people who use the NMA, '60 Army, Dragoon, Walker, or ROA to hunt medium game with successfully. Some have been with a ball but most have been with a conical. All used Swiss or T7 as Olde E wasn't around yet or popular enough when I looked. Most everyone had a complete passthrough.
Just as I accept that a .50 cal ball has killed boat loads of deer at 100-125 yds where the energy figures are typically below 400 ft/lbs as I've read and seen too much evidence I also accept that these pistols will also do well within their limits and the shooter's, especially when a conical is involved and its combined with a potent powder as it mimics the .45 Colt to some degree.
With that said, were I to use a handgun as a primary I'd use my ROA as its more accurate load puts it about on par with a .45 Colt load, whereas my NMA's accurate load is 30 grns and putting it more like a .45 ACP load. But my ROA has a longer barrel and better sights as well, and gives better groups.
But I'd not use my pistol unless the range were short and I had a proper rest. My .50 cal rifle is my primary hunting tool.
