Just picked up a nice 629-4 classic with 5in barrel for $430 out the door. Thought it was a good deal, however I am wondering if it will hold up under hot loads of H110 and 240gr JHP. I am thinking of trading it for a Super blackhawk. What is the life span of this gun with hot loads run through it.
I am sure the gun will hold up as long as you stay within publish data. The question is will you hold up to max loads? Not to step on anyones toes I like full power loads but only sparingly. I tend to shoot more of the im barely going to poke a hole in paper load.
I've run hundreds of Elmer Keith's favorite load (250g bullet over 22g of 2400) without any notable effects on my 629's. They have a little top strap erosion, but nothing to worry about. Neither shows any signs of getting loose.
The 629-4 had the durability/performance enhancements so there should be nothing to worry about if you are running top published loads. In the long run, I'd certainly guess the SBH may be more durable, but that would likely entail a LOT of shooting. I think the 629-4 was one of the best of the 29 series ever made, everything you want and nothing you don't.