As I remember the Dakota was an SAA clone pretty much. Not sure just how strong it is. I use the .44-40 in a S&W M544, but since I already have N frames in .44 Mag and .45 Colt I don't push it too hard. Accuracy is great though. Ammo is a bit of a PITA to load though. Very thin case necks. Need to be careful seating bullets (slug MUST be straight, or you'll be pulling and resizing).