In the past, in black bear country, I have carried my 4" 629 with 240gr LSWC (magnum) bullets. That gun is a tank to carry all day, along with other gear. Most recently (again, for black bear), I carried my G22 w/16 rds of 180FMJFP and a 3" j frame 357 w/158gr LSWC's as a back up.
Maybe not as good as the 44, but a lot more rounds to send at him if needed.

I have never seen a bear in the wild, where I go. So, so far, so good.