44 Magnum vs. S&W 629 Classic

I recentley brought home a new to me, S&W 6.5" 629 Classic, pre internal lock.

It's my first 44 mag. and I'll be reloading my own for it.

I have read countless posts about how the Rugers can handle a steady diet of full power 44 mag. but not to feed the S&W the same diet. When that is said, what is it that is bad for the Smith, the heavy bullet, 240 gr. and up, or a near max or max powder load driving them at top speed?

I plan on loading 240 gr hardcast SWC, or RNFP's and I won't be hunting with it, just targets, paper, iron plates, perhaps a bowling pin or two etc. Anywhere from 15yd to 100yds. (came with a 2x Burris scope)

I'm looking at 850 to 1100 fps loads using Titegroup and Win 231.

Will those loads keep my Smith healthy? I'm willing to use lighter hardcasts, say 200gr. but I thought the 240's would give me the 44 mag. "experience". My big handgun loads up 'till now have been 357 mag. using 158gr hardcasts over Titegroup using mid range load data.

I appreciate any input on what you load for similar shooting, through a 629 if thats possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

With the loads you described (850-1100 fps) you should be fine. It's the full power (heavy bullet being pushed real fast) that is hard on a gun. The Ruger can take a bit more than the Smith due to the fact that it is a solid frame (no side plate). But, unless you are shooting heavy loads all the time, your Smith will last several lifetimes.

I have a Ruger Redhawk and my loads typically are 240 grain bullets using 296 or 2400 (I haven't tried TiteGroup yet) loaded for mid level speeds.

That kind of load is safe for the S&W. What's not good for them is a steady diet of Max power jacketed loads, read super hot. Some are fine, just not all the time. The 629 will take a mid range jacketed round also. Any lead load will be fine, just check for leading when you shoot something over 1000 fps.