Also note in my last graph the Rbe approaches 50Ohms for > 0.6A on Vbe or > 6A on collector , which means your source impedance must be similar or less if low voltage.
Knowing the source impedance of the driver and voltage allows one to determine the required series resistance to the necessary base current with limiting.
Understand that most power transistor switches require 10% base drive to saturate the collector to rated Vce(sat).
Ultra low Vce(sat) or low Rce(sat) transistors exist with 50:1 gain. You just need to need where to find them and can afford the higher cost. Intermediate ones using 15:1 to 30:1 for Vce(sat) specs.