I own both calibers but from a practical point of view I'd go with .357. The rounds are less expensive (shoot more), smaller (carry more) and you can shoot .38 spl. (which is very common). The .357 still has enough power that you can take medium game with it and much more defensive tech has been developed for it than the .44 as it's more popular. The .44 just has more power going for it. So I'd say regardless of if you're talking about survival situations, self defense or for fun the .357 has the most advantages.