44Mag will do the jobs you're interested in just fine.

-Load it with 44 specials for personal defence against humans and dogs.
-Use 240gr Semi-jacketed soft point magnums for deer out past 50.
-Stoke it with heavy, hard-cast lead wadcutters for bear defense.

I like my S&W 629 for a multi-role gun such as the one you're looking for.
Double action for defense, and a6" barell for adecent amount of hunting velocity/power. Stay away from the rubber Hogue grips on the Smith N-frames though. With their exposed backstrap, the metal frame digs into your hand when the rubber grips compress during recoil. A good solid wood grip fixes that prob.