I have to echo the previous author, I chose a .44 due to the fact that I already have one with dies, brass, bullets, etc. for that caliber. I've fired .45 LC model 25's and wasn't all that impressed over the vast range that .44 has. I almost traded into a 625 Mountain Gun that came with dies, brass, etc. and a couple hundred pre-loaded rounds, his price was too high but it had everything I was looking for. I lucked into my present 629-2 from a friend of mine and after a few tweaks am very happy with it. I really like .44 special rounds for plinking and general all around good fun, very accurate when worked out for your particular pistol, the 4" barrel doesn't hinder accuracy all that much at ranges under 20yds. My vote is for .44, all around better round.