RE: .357 or .44 Mag
Another vote for the 44 mag or 454 Casull.Leave the 357 for a two legged human creatures.. I would recommend going with something with at least a 6 1/2"bbl.I like the Ruger Redhawks or the SRH's. For a back up Iwould suggest looking for one of the new Ruger Alaskan's in 454 Casull or the 480 Ruger.
Ruger Redhawk