If a site's search function doesn't work right you can search it using Bing, Google and probably others like this:
site:smith-wessonforum.com 69 696
It usually works as well or better than the search function in most forums. If found the thread below pretty quickly. Search for 696 forcing cone the same way and you should be able to find the previous threads about this.
There was recent thread about the 69 that had a couple of pictures of the forcing cones for both guns at
Model 69 examination: . The 69 is a lot thicker.
If you are not real attached to your 696 and want to shoot a lot of strong .44 specials consider trading it for a 69. I really like my 69 and think it is a great gun for stout .44 special power levels.