Like many here I'm a fan of S&W and Ruger big bores, but as you know, the prices have gone through the roof recently, even for well used specimens.
All that said, for use as a carry gun, CC or backup to a rifle, I'd recommend Smith's model 69 in the 4.25" persuasion. It's light for full house .44 Mags, but carry's well in a waist OWB holster. Mine weighs in at 38 oz. unloaded. My usual carry load for woods walks and as a backup gun for hunting is Skelton's famous: 240 gr LSWC backed by 7.5 gr of Unique for ~975 fps from my gun. This is a potent load that gets poo poo'd by heavy load aficionados, but its controllable, offers plenty of penetration on deer and is easy on the hands. Lastly, I like the 69's "L" size frame for its slightly smaller dimensions that fit my hands better than the bigger "N" frames.
In S&W's "N" frame line, I really like the 5" bbl'd model 629, but it's additional 10 oz. over the M-69's is a chore on the belt and really needs a 'tanker' type cross chest holster to be all-day carry comfortable. The add'l weight is not all bad as it really helps with full house magnums, as does the same or similar weight in Ruger's Super Blackhawk.
Not to be overlooked is Ruger's 4-5/8" bbl'd version of the Super Blackhawk which will also do quite nicely as will the 6-1/2" model. Both are SA only, slow to reload and have a grip style that may or may not appeal. A try out is recommended. With heavy, really heavy loads, I prefer the original grip style made famous by Colt's SAA et. al. Some here on THR who's opinions I respect prefer the 'Bisley' style for comfort.
While both Smiths and Rugers can be relied upon for accuracy, S&W generally sports a better 'out of the box' SA trigger, in my experience. Too, Smith's justly famous DA trigger and its add'l capability for rapid fire should it be needed, give it an advantage over the Rugers mentioned above.
Finishes vary, but if you're trekking far from the chimney smoke where TLC care for the gun is not possible, I'd suggest stainless steel and grips that fit your style of shooting.
Choices? ...I'd pic a Model 69 Smith for its versatility, carry convenience, and accuracy. 2nd choice would be the mentioned 5" Model 629: With its 6-shot cylinder & heavy for all day carry, it's a lot more comfortable for shooting really heavy loads and possibly more accurate for its greater inter-sight distance. The Ruger BH would be my 3rd choice due to its lack of DA mode of fire.
These are all are good guns and can be found used, at times for 1/3 less than new if you get lucky.
As to initial cost, a .44 Magnum from the above is a lifetime investment that'll last...and if your requirements/interests change, they should be easy to trade out. I'd say, save your money for a really good gun....one you'll never be sorry for.
In that regard, while Taurus' QC has improved over the years (if the diminished amount of negative internet feedback is any indication)...I know what's worked for me for the past ~60 years, especially with regards to customer service, and I can strongly recommend both S&W and Ruger for their efforts to accommodate my concerns.
Best Regards. Rod Pic below of my 629, 5" bbl'd Smith with its scabbard and sporting Altamont 'Roper' grips. The 2nd is my Ruger Flat Top, Anniversary BH in .44 Magnum stocked with a pair of circassian walnut grips it whittled for it. Currently I have no pics of my M-69, sorry...
