the quest for a more powerful load in .44 special now days, at least for me, is to get it in a lighter package than a .44 mag.

Hi Bob D:
You are "right on" in your comment to DonD about the firearm weight. Smith N-frames are great guns, but they are bulky and they are heavy. I'm pushing 71 real hard.
The 696 is a pretty solid gun and weighs 35.5 ounces. I guess I could carry some lighter gun like my .45 ACP N-frame 325PD, but the recoil of a good 230gr in that gun is really nasty.
I really like the Mt guns, but don't have one. I reload a lot for .45 Colt and enjoy .44 and .45 calibers. I'm not much of a fan of .45 ACP except for 1911 CCW, in which case it's hard to beat.
I like my Browning .358 BLR carbine for its quality and easy carry. I don't scope it as I'd hate to ruin its looks.

Sonny