From some reading I'm doing my new 29-2 does not have the endurance package that new production 44's are produced currently. Should I be worried about using factory loads in my revolver? I'm inclined to think they would be ok.

I'm a caster and hand loader so I won't be hotrodding any hand loads as well. I want to enjoy shooting it.

If you're a serious shooter who goes to the range regularly, a weekly diet of, say, 50-100 rounds of full power 44 magnum loads will beat your gun pretty hard within a year.
The first signs of problems will be a measurable increase in barrel/cylinder gap, the beginning of cylinder "endshake", timing problems, and, depending on the specific propellant, bullet weight, and chamber pressure, some erosion of the forcing cone.

If caught early, a rebuild entails setting the barrel back a thread and recutting the forcing cone, shimming the cylinder to eliminate the endshake, and possibly replacing a few internals, such as a new (oversize) hand.
The rise of IHMSA silhouette in the 70s & 80s really brought the issue to the forefront. And, it didn't take "heavy" loads to do it.

Since you're a handloader, enjoy the 29 for what it really is best at, a "bigger" 44 Special. Cast bullets at around 1000 to 1100 fps is still plenty good.
In fact, I learned a valuable lesson from my brother when I saw the success he had at the silhouette game using his "LSI era" 25-5 in 45 Colt. His standard load was 8 to 8.5 grains Unique with a 250 gr SWC. Muzzle velocity with the 8 & 3/8" barrel was about 975 fps. Once he got the rear sight elevation worked out, 200 meter rams went down no problem.

Enjoy!
Jim

I've been shooting Elmer's cast bullet and load from my 73' vintage 29-2 for 45 years now with no ill effects. While not a factory load it is pretty hot!

A lot depends on what shape it is in now. Your gun in good shape will do fine with factory stuff. If it has any problems with factory stuff like cylinder un-locking, it will need some work. End shake is a common problem but very easy to fix. Like stated above if you want to feed it the hard stuff every time you go out and you go out a lot, I would look for a later model for that. Your current -2 should do just fine with many rounds of factory ammo though. It was made for it. Actually when it came out the factory stuff was even hotter than it is now for the most part. Not counting boutique stuff.

Also as stated above the 8 to 8.5 of unique is a outstanding load. Has been my go to for over 30 years. Accurate in all my 44's. I have many.

DON'T USE 300 GRAIN AMMO! The 29-2's weren't made to handle
that load and recoil! Until the -3 Endurance Package 300's would
cause cylinder reversal under recoil. I experienced it my 29-2 and my 29-3 pre Endurance upgrade. My 629-4 doesn't do it.

I have one box of hand load barn burners I shoot once in a great while. The rest of the time my loads are in between 44spl and the bottom end 44 mag these will do anything I need them to do . FWIW mine is a 29-2 with a 4 inch barrel made in 1972-73. YMMV

I didn't have any gun problems----just a shooter problem. This is back in the day---when the .44 Magnum was new-----and IT---and I had to have one. I couldn't afford a S&W, so I plunked down the price of a Ruger Blackhawk---and a box of shells.

Off we go to our favorite shooting grounds where I sat propped up against my favorite tree---my shiny new Ruger in both hands---resting on my knees----and KABLAM!!!! Aside from the loss of some precious bodily fluids from where the front sight whacked me on top of my head, the NOISE was SHATTERING!! I decided right then and there that anybody who shot one of these things with factory loads was NUTS!

I'm back home now---with one once fired case and 49 loaded factory rounds. After not too long with my trusty bullet puller, I had one once fired case and 49 primed cases---and set out to come up with a civilized load.

That civilized load turned out to be 18.5 grains of 2400 (circa mid-later 1950's) behind a 205 grain Thompson Gas Check semi wadcutter. I didn't know/care anything about velocities, pressures, or anything else we know about today---only that seated with my back against that tree, and that gun in two hands resting on my knees, the combination put bullets into less than 5" groups at 100 yards all day long--------and it was civilized!

I later learned that load was considered as a fairly hot load for a .44 Special. I think I was supposed to feel like a sissy. I felt like I couldn't care less!

Ralph Tremaine

Even Elmer Keith only rarely shot his " magnum " load of 22 grs / 2400 using HIS bullet , a 245 gr swc (HG 503) . That load of 22 grs / 2400 is NOT meant for just any 240 gr bullet , cast-jacketed etc . His design has a much shorter shank allowing more case capacity .
You will probably find that loads using a 240 gr bullet @ about 900-1100 fps will be more fun . I really like 7.0 grs of IMR 700X with a 240 gr swc etc . Bullseye , Red Dot etc will work fine too . 8.0 grs of 231 is another nice load for a little more power . Elmers std everyday load was 8.5 grs of Unique , the one he fired the most . Good luck , Have fun Regards, Paul

Even at that, from what I've heard over the years Elmer had more than one Model 29 so he could have one being worked on while still having one to shoot.