Jed, i have had a couple of 444 first the 444s and now i have the 444 outfitter.For hunting in heavy cover or crowded wood it a great cartridge.Most deer drop on the spot. In response to your post on a handload i have always used the hornady 265 gr flat nose.The first load I tried was 44.4 gr of IMR 4198 and I have used this load every since 1974.
One word of caution the 444 outfitter is ported and very ,very loud wear some ear protection.