.303;

Ballisitically, 50 more powerful than .44.

But what purpose is intended for your purchase? i.e., What do you intend to do with the pistol? Have you handled a Desert Eagle?

Reason I ask is that while I am not a "handgun hunter" per se, I carry a pistol or revolver more-or-less daily, using it on targets of opportunity or stock shooting when we butcher. Thus I've shot dozens of sheep in addition to many dogs, coyotes, ground squirrels, grouse, the occaisional feral cat and one bear with a handgun. Funny thing; the older I get the smaller and lighter my handguns get. {Some would say I am breaking down under the collective and cumulative effects of age. I prefer to say I am continuously advancing due to time-acquired wisdom.

}

Anyway, if you intend to carry the gun frequently and use your hands for anything else in the field, get a .44 revolver; a 4" Smith or 4 5/8 or 5 1/2" Ruger, for example. I latched on to a .44 Mag S&W Model 29-9 "Heritage" {light whippy 6.5" bbl overall size and weight similar to a .44 special 1926 Target} some years ago and it is a real favorite though most of my handgun shooting is admittedly done with automatic pistols {size, weight and need}. Anyway, for uses like mine, a smaller lighter revolver is the thing.

On the other hand, if for any reason {target/hunting/collecting} you have a thing for "crew-served" pistols, get the Desert Eagle.

Would be curious as to answers to the above and your decision.