I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk, and the wife has a Marlin .44 Mag saddle gun. We almost exclusively shoot .44 spls. Only load Magnums when hunting. Cannot remember the load off the top of my head. Have killed a Mule Deer at 30 yards with this load. I would rather use .44 Spls for home defense as well. Would not blow through intruder, wall, across the street and hitting neighbors house, and possibly someone there as well.