Exmachina 1,

I use a 200 grain .357 Magnum hard cast gas checked from Double Tap. It does 1275 fps from my 5 inch Model 60. That
is a .224 in sectional density, 722 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. There is no regular pressure .44 special load that will penetrate remotely as well or produce the same energy at 0 to 10 yards for a
Close quarters black bear/predator load. Penetration is the most important factor in large predator protection. I don't handload either so the .44 special is second best for me. Now if I could get
1125 fps out of a .44 SPL 255 grain Keith style load in my 3 inch barrel without exceeding 17000 PSI then I would switch over LOL

I still LOVE the .44 special