After 35 years of carrying a sidearm, I insist on thin and lightweight.
I carried a Charter Arms .357 mag 'PUG' 5 shot, for 12 years for off duty and loved it at 21 oz. with the bobbed hammer. It eventually wore out as I fired it often.
Recently, I found CA makes an 'On Duty' snubbie with a shrouded hammer, Alum frame & SS, at 12 oz.
I love it with 38 +P. Revolvers always go 'BOOM'.

The 45 Colt/.410 Judge & Publc Defenders, even in the so called 'Ultra-Light' models, would be like carrying a brick, for me.
Self defense range maxes out at about 12 ft in real life, so I'm good with less-than-a-cannon.
If I only had a 2 lb+ sidearm, I'd leave it home... a lot.

Based upon your time line you probably have made your decision by now. I don't tote either but have 357 and a bigger Judge. For me it would be the 357 for toting. Really like the Judge for home defense and I know there are those who think it is worthless there. Based upon even shooting it today with 3 inch shells believe it to be very sufficient. 2 1/2 bird shot shells for self defense would not be my choice in this gun.

If you want to do some hiking and have Snakes in your area the Judge would work, but I personally would just carry the 357 Magnum. Penetration of even buckshot doesn't meet FBI requirements, not that, that would be a huge deal as i am sure it would ruin someone's day immensly but I owned a 3" barreled one that shot the 2.5" shells and wasn't incredibly impressed. It is a large framed pistol as well.

Take a look at the Ruger GP 101, it's a 5 shot but it'll handle +P loads if you are willing to take the recoil.