I've been looking for a bullet a bit heavier than the standard 240.gr offerings in .44 magnum. I have 2 "older" Model 29s that I just can't see beating up as many see them as classics.
I found the Buffalo Bore "Reduced Recoil" load, a 255 gr. hard cast bullet. I bought a box and before shooting them
I e-mailed Buffalo Bore asking about them. I wanted something a bit heavier than the 240's for the occasional foray into the Rockies. Here is Buffalo Bore's response:
"Any of our 44 mag. loads are safe in model 29’s of any vintage as they will not blow the guns up, but model 29’s made prior to 1989 do not have what S&W at the time called, the “Endurance Package”. So, our +P or +P+ loads (we only make two of those and you asked about one of them) will shoot the older S&W’s loose in fairly short order, which is certainly repairable, but why do it to a classic vintage revolver?
Our 255gr. load you asked about is perfect for older S&W’s. Won’t hurt them or wear on them prematurely".