It has been proven that lesser cartridges can do the job. I have the choice of a number of heavy hitters, but more times than not a 44 special will be on my hip (or chest) loaded with 260 grn Keith style bullets at around 1050 fps. I really do love the truly big bores, but after packing them around, They are most of the time relegated to hunting duty. The Ruger flattop I carry is lighter and a trimmer package, and I can get it in play and make follow up shots just a bit quicker than I can with bigger guns.
That has been the thinking behind me leaving my .44 mag behind and typically carrying a .45 Super with 255 LFN GCs at 1050 fps. It's just easier to shoot accurately, and those 255s will dig in.
