Outside of about 8 feet, I would agree with you and go with .45. You can always load the Judge with one .410 followed by four .45s.
Garde la Foi, mes amis! Nous nous sommes les sauveurs de la République! Maintenant et Toujours!
(Keep the Faith, my friends! We are the saviors of the Republic! Now and Forever!)
LonePalm, le Républicain du verre cassé (The Broken Glass Republican)
I would like to see the ballistics of the .45 vs a .410 slug. Can a slug shot even be used in this revolver? Also, can the Judge fire both 2 1/2" and 3" .410 shells?