I believe the 44 is better than the 357. The 45 Colt can be loaded close to the 44 Mag. It is just personal preference. If your shooting is limited to 75 yards, and you want to shoot alot of less expensive ammo, then the 357 is better. If you would like a little more range, and knockdown(I am gonna catch it for using that word), and you reload(keep ammo cost down), then go with the 44. I would not feel under gunned with either. And what do they say "beware of the man with one gun, for he surely knows how to use it". Tom.