I have a friend in Alaska, that is a Registered Bear Guide, that is also a knowledgeable rifle and handgun reloader.

When I visited him a while back he showed me his 5 Shot 44 Special 696.

He was loading it with 300 gr "Bear Busters, that were the equal to ANYTHING coming out of a 44 MAG...

He had measured the cylinder, frame, etc. and felt the gun would handle the "load".

He had done the required test firing...

I said "WOW" and cautioned him to tone it down a "little".

He really liked the size and weight of the "little" 5 shot 44 "Special" over the 44 Mag Mountain Gun...