Everyone is different. I have owned a few SAA clones with short barrels. They were nice enough. They balance well. However, my middle-aged eyes and occasionally trembly hands don't allow me to shoot fixed-sight shorter-barreled revolvers very well.
I shoot the Ruger Blackhawks and Super Blackhawks much better. Not only are the sights adjustable, they're also
big. With the longer-barreled versions I can imitate a pretty decent pistolero.
To me, 44 specials, 45acp, and "normal" 45colts shot out of big SA revolvers all feel pretty much the same. IIRC, they all shoot similar weights of bullets at similar velocities. The 45acp is cheapest and easiest to find. If you have a Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk, you can shoot "Ruger Only" loads in 45colt (and I would assume 44 special) that get close to 44 magnum in power. Or you could just get a SBH in 44 magnum and shoot 44 special most of the time. (That's what I do.) My FiL shot actual 44 magnums out of his SBH Bisley for the first time the other day, and that crotchety old guy actually smiled. He
never smiles.
38/357 is probably more sensible, though. If you're not shooting giant wild hogs or trying to shoot through engine blocks, a hot 357 will do pretty much anything you need to it to do. Mild 38 specials shot out of a SA revolver are inexpensive and pleasant.
I got this used 357 Blackhawk for a $299 auction on GB a few years back. It's from the early/mid 70's (early New Model) and had been shot a lot before I got it. It still shoots just fine and is tight as could be. It is IMHO sturdier than an actual SAA clone and seems unimpressed by hot 357 loads. My kids will likely still be shooting it when I am long gone.