Both of my 629-6's, the entirety of my 629 collection, normally sport wood grips as they don't normally see 'real' .44 Magnums.
For home defense, I keep GA Arms 200gr Gold Dots in .44 Special in speedloaders for both of them. I also shoot .44 Russian. .44 Special, and .44 Magnum homebrews - very seldom shoot hot loads.
Stainz