Yup the DE is heavy, expensive, well made and very accurate ... did I say heavy ? While it is only 1-1/4 pounds heavier than my S&W 629, it is big and heavy ... especially for folks with petite hands.
Over rated ? I think not. I have the DE 44 and bought the .357 magnum kit to go with it. I've just begun to shoot it.
My 1st observation is that it is not over rated. It is a well made, accurate, exensive and heavy pistol, that will not replace my S&W 3913TSW ... but then I did not buy it for that. I bought it to replace a rifle when I go hunting, and I think it will do that just fine.
I've shot a group of commercial loads that I use and all except the 110 grain JHP rounds did just fine in .357. I still need to develop a few hand loads, but I figure this will follow.
I went out today and tried a few hand loads in .44 magnum. 27.0 grains of W296 proved to be a BIG BOOMER with 200 grain Gold Dot Hollow points and I went through 50 rounds without a misfire.
On the other hand, my 300 grain Noslers loaded with 14.8 grains of 2400 turned out to be a really soft load. The round fired, ejected the shell, but failed to load a new round from the magazine. I'll need to work up a little on that bullet.
Is the DE over rated ? at this point I'll say no way. It is fine shooting pistol. I'll even use it on the night stand ... just won't carry it, except out in the field when I am hunting ... it sure beats a 7-1/2 pound carbine, or 8 pound rifle.