Start low and work up, watch primers for pressure signs, but remember they are only a partial indicator. Remember some hot loads will just beat your gun to death. If a load doesn't shoot well why bother with it.
Only hits count.
Just because a load is safe in one gun doesn't make it safe in all. I have even had loads that were safe in winter that weren't in the summer.
My advice to you is find a load that you and your gun shoot well and stay with it. A good hit with a 44 special is better than a poor one with a 44 mag. and your gun will last longer.
Hot loads are a gunsmiths best friend. Practice with an accurate load is your best friend, it will do the job when you neeed it.