The .44 has a wide variety of bullet weights for off the shelf purchase, from the 44 Spec to the magnum. Without looking, I think the loads I have upstairs run from 185 to 300 grains. I am not handloading these days, so that is a plus. The .45 colt is actually about 1.5 calibers larger; that might make a difference to some but on medium sized perps and game I doubt they could tell the difference. I have owned both and really liked both. I don't feel a need for any more power than my 44 mag RSBH can deliver, and that is what I carry when I worry about getting eaten. However, I have not owned a double action .44. I can't speak to how hard those would be on you. I am not concerned about taking on drug gangs so I stick to my old style six shooter.