if expecting big, dangerous stuff I bring the .44.. but when i'm not looking for trouble-just trying to be prepared for it if it finds me- The 14round .40 is hard to argue with- and a lot lighter on my belt at the end of a long day than the .357 or .44. In country where almost all the predators you are likely to run into are no bigger or heavier than a man- probably any gun that is 9mm or better in power (and what matters-penetration) that you HAVE WITH YOU- and can shoot well- will probably do the business..