Hi Don,
If I don't know the top, I don't know what constitutes a reasonable and moderate download. It's that simple.

I shoot moderate range-loads with my .38 Specials, my .357's, my model 29 and .45 Colt single-actions all the time; mostly around 750-800 fps, measured with my PACT Chrony. I often shoot .38 Specials in my .357. For all of these calibers, I know the top and I know what moderate is. The 696 top has heretofore been an unknown.

If my son will, one day, carry this in the Rockies, and if it is perfectly safe and reasonable to load a 240gr cast @ 1100 fps instead of 1000 fps, then I hope that he will do so. There's no reason not to.
Sonny