I am getting ready to load for a 357 Rem. max. with Hornady 180 gr. ss/pb and Accurate 1680. There manual said the maximum load of 23.5 grs. will produce 1962 fps. at the muzzle. With a velocity of 1962 fps. can someone tell me how much energy I will have at the muzzle? Also what is the maximum distance that this load will humanely take Whitetail Deer? We just got a hand gun season here in Delaware and this is the first time I have loaded 357 max. SO any and all help will be appreciated. Thank you.

Your reloading books should have conversion tables that will tell you the energy for the velocity and bullet mass. I have used the 357 Max out of a rifle on blacktail deer (120 to 150 lbs) and after doing that I would limit my shots to under 100 yds. It works well, but it is not a long range round due to shedding velocity fast and not having much to start with.
It is good for whacking coyotes, rock chucks, and jack rabbits. Let us know your results after this season's hunt.

On our small (90-120#) deer the Max is an excellent killer. Ranges are normally not much more than 100yds, usually less. I have one made up on a Martini Cadet action, and really like it for a small lightweight rifle. So far, I've only used 180's but want to try some 158's.

I load 158 gr rem sp in my 357 max with h110 I get 2150fps. I have shot 3 deer with it my daughter has shot 16 deer with it all one shot kills. It is a TC carbine with a 16.25 inch barrel.

IF you get 1962 fps at the muzzle here is what it looks like with 100 yard zero +0.57" at 50 yards.
With a 50 yard zero

muzzle 1962 fps 1538 ft/lbs

50 yards 0.00" 1814 fps 1315 ft/lbs

100 yards -1.14" 1610 fps 1121 ft/lbs

These are calculated and one should check them