Construction screws are made that are very similar to drywall screws in
appearance. They have a similar bugle head. However, they have a much
larger root (shank) diameter, especially just under the head, than do
drywall screws. They are not nearly as hard, so are much less brittle.
Drywall screws are intended to go only thru 2 sheets of paper, some gypsum,
and a half inch of soft pine or the prepunched slots in steel studs.
Construction screws come in several diameters and up to 6" long that I know
of.
A screw should bend 900 (right angle) without breaking off.
Any hardened screws will be more brittle than common hardware grade screws,
which are almost as soft as common nails.
Al