I'll try and get back on the subject. Arguing about DA, SA, or Auto seems a bit crazy to me. I think if someone prefers one style over the other and shoots better with that particular system, then that's probably the way they should go.
I have a Glock 20, several Ruger SA's, a Redhawk, an Alaskan, and recently got a Smith 69. I took the 20 on a 10 day moose hunt to AK and although I felt OK with it, it had some drawbacks. Since the OP is not asking about autos, I will not go into them in depth.
I have owned my Redhawk since I was about 14 and have shot the heck out of it. I have tried several different grips, but settled on Pachmayr Presentations. I am now 48, so I would say the Redhawk is a pretty sound design.
I got the Alaskan to replace the 20 on my next moose trip. Most of our "visits" were at night and while we were in the tent. I felt if needed, it would be much easier to grab the Alaskan and begin to fire. I left the Houge tamer grip on it and it is very easy to fire six rounds quickly. Mine is a .44 loaded 320 grain bullets. The trigger is far superior to the Redhawk and it shoot surprisingly well for such a short barrel. I really love this one.
Recently I picked up a Smith 69. I have not shot any heavy weight bullets through it yet, but really like the gun. I plugged the Hillary Hole, which made it a moot point. It is accurate, very easy to carry, and very well balanced. I am liking it more and more.
Lastly comes my beloved SA Rugers. I have lots of them in various calibers up to .475. Most of mine are Bisleys. I would feel just fine with one of these, but I am just a bit more comfortable with the DA for what we experience up there. They guys I hunt with are not experienced with the SA, so that is a drawback.
My hunting buddies are not really handgun shooters either, but they all have some type of DA .357. This adds to the appeal of the DA revolver. They are all familiar with its basic function, have shot many round through their own .357's, and feel comfortable with it. Neither of them liked to take the Glock out at night when nature called. They would generally take the round out the chamber and leave the loaded magazine inserted. This was a pain to keep loading and unloading the gun at night while we were freezing (that's another story). I would say that you are on the right track with your initial choices, although you might add/take a look at the S&W 69. I would attempt to shoot them first if possible and then pick what you like the best. I think this is more important than being set on one system or the other.
Hope this helps,
Matt