For a range gun that'll be sometimes used for hunting, I'd suggest the 6 3/4" barrel. Just my opinion, but the only real advantage of a longer barrel on a .44 Mag is the increased sight radius.
I'd get the longest barrel possible, I mean, if shoving it in your pants isn't part of the picture. Go big or go home. Longer barrels give more velocity for hot loads and more weight to fight the recoil.
For your stated purposes, 6 1/2 inch or longer. I had a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 magnum with a 7 1/2" barrel that sure weren't no good at concealed carry, but Lordy was it accurate at the range or plinking here in the desert southwest.
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