The reason I like the 44 is the noise tends to get folks attention and the range in the proper hands means you can run but you can’t hide. It reminds me of the old AT+T motto ‘Reach out and touch someone’.
I like both personally, but the .357 is easier to fire and has more stopping power then the .44.
To each his own. What matters in the end is what you’re comfortable and confident with.
Punch beats mouse gun pekka pekka pekka every time. At night the muzzle flash from my Ruger Blackhawk looks like a broadside from the USS Iowa. I also like the "that ain't no cop gun" look too.
If I were to carry it would be my trusty M1991A1 Colt in .45 ACP, a good compromise.