Questor put it very well. I love the .44 special, but it IS a handloader's cartridge. Load it with a 240 gr cast swc and move it around 900/950 fps and it is a wonderful cartridge! Do anything you ask of it. If you buy a .44 mag, you will always feel the need to carry full power ammo in it. I don't know why, but that is the way it happens with me. If you are carrying a .44 spl, then you are content with a power level that is 'enough'. It just feels more relaxed that way. Can't explain it, it's kind of like that 'Harley' thing. They ain't the biggest or the fastest, but they just have that relaxed competent way to them. Enough power is enough. The .44 spl is 'enough' in a relaxed, competent way. It makes a great 'woods companion'. 44 Man