the 44spcl is a lot more gun than the 357 and make a much bigger hole
If you're carrying this as a hunting sidearm, have you considered a single action in .44 special? In recent years, Ruger has come out with the Blackhawk Flattop in .44 special, as well as the a .44 special on the New Vaquero frame. You may find these better platforms if you wish to use warmer loads.
I recently acquired a .44 special Vaquero with 3.75" barrel, and I am pretty hooked so far.