My HD rifle is a Marlin 1894 in .44 mag.. Everyone who is complaining about how horrible the recoil is is a wuss frankly. I stoke mine with 210 grain .44 gold dot handloads over about 29 grains of Alliant power pro 300mp.. good for about 2100 fps, but doesn't kick even as bad as a 12 gauge loaded with birdshot. I have no doubt this load will stop most anyone right in their tracks, and if need be I have 10 more shots behind it.
The .44 is the most versatile caliber around both in a rifle and a pistol. My .44s are my most frequently shot, and most enjoyable firearms. My usual target shooting load is simply a 200 grain boolit over a charge of herco; in a pistol it recoils just enough for you to know that you are shooting a big gun. but is hardly uncomfortable. In a rifle it shoots like a .22 and is as accurate as all heck. That being said, you can obviously load a .44 up to near nuclear levels as well. The .44 is far more versatile and capable than any .357.