In years past there was a forum member that bought a 696, and specifically asked about shooting heavy lead loads. He was warned, but tried it anyway. If memory serves, he indicated his forcing cone was damaged. Can't remember if it split or what. The gentleman from Alaska was found of heavy recoiling revolvers, and very familiar with custom pistols and reloading.

By the way, there is a difference between being able to handle "pressure" and being able to handle "force". A cylinder may be able to handle a higher pressure, but the forcing conce handling the "force" from an larger diameter lead bullet with a greater bearing surface, may be an entirely different matter.

Have 3 696's, and if desiring to shoot heavy loads i use a N-frame. The 696 seems very well suited to 200 jhps at about 900 fps, or 180 jhp's at 1000 fps.