Take a look at the other thread on the 696 for some good info. Yes, the forcing cone is thin compared to a Ruger 44 Special Blackhawk or Vaquero, or a S&W Model 24/624. But it will be able to handle 250gr cast or swaged bullets at 1000fps if that's what you want to feed it. If you can, take a look at Brian Pearce's article that mentions it in Handloader #236. You can reach that with his 'category 2' level loads at 22kpsi.

If there is an issue with the forcing cone, it must be very rare or else those few who have had the problem aren't posting much about it because they tried to turn it into a 44 Mag and are embarrassed to admit it. I see more speculation than actual issues. There are many more substantiated reports of K-frames Magnums being damaged with standard 357 Mag loads but that doesn't seem to stop people for going nuts about them!

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