I classify any 240 grain load that goes supersonic (1,150 ft./sec.) as a full power .44 Mag load. That being said, I like to shoot 240 grain jacketed bullets out of my 629-3 at 1,350 ft./sec. The 629-3 and subsequent engineering dash models should have no problem digesting any factory ammo that does not stick out the front of the cylinder. Your Buffalo Bore is safe to shoot in your gun, but is best saved for confrontations with critters that are very scary. If you anticipate such confrontations, think about getting a bigger gun.

I am sixty-six and have arthritis. I have a 4” 29-2, an 8 3/8” 29-2, an 8” Colt Anaconda, a 10 ½” Ruger Super Blackhawk, a 6 ½” Ruger Super Blackhawk, and a 7 ½” Ruger Redhawk. None of them have ever had anything in them except full power factory .44 magnum rounds. If I need more power, I break out the S&W 460XVR. It gets only 460 S&W magnums through it.

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U.S. Navy - U.S. Army, ret

A 460 is on my bucket list. IMHO, the 460 is a smarter purchase than the 500 due to the Ammo choices it offers with little lost to overall power compared to the 500.

.460 rounds are a LOT cheaper too

Its been said here before my new S&W model 29-10 will take any beating I put it thru with the normal 44mag loads. I shoot the hottest 44mag loads from my ruger super Blackhawk and my ruger redhawks. My new S&W is my baby I like it but I won't hammer it. The balance to weight ratio seems perfect. I hated shooting my redhawk with its 5 1/2" barrel in 44mag with the hotter loads the recoil is massive. I noticed right away with my new S&W model 58 in 41mag with its 4" barrel expecting the worst recoil of all it seemed really much tamer over the 44mag. I love this 58 in 41mag. I will shoot all of them just not the reloaded hotter ammo in all my S&W's.

First do not try this at home "I am a professional"; (kidding, man on fire quote)
In my younger crazy days I loaded a ruger super Blackhawk with probably proof loads spec wise. I had 15" of flame coming out of the barrel and 10" of flame out of both sides of the cylinder. The people next to me at the range left. This super blackhawk ate it all and wanted more. Do not try this at home please. I was young and dumb. Now I like the lower gun powder loads and enjoy the shoot. I did have to retighten up the grip frame screws often too....besafe and load it correctly.
I was loading the 44mag to the 1400 fps specs from the book that was my normal load. .

In my earlier days we didn't have the larger calibers that we have today. I'm 62yo and been interested in a BFR in 444 marlin and 45/70. The newer 500S&W scares me when I see hichcok45 on you tube says it punishes him so he doesn't shoot it that much. I been a 44mag guy ever since my beginning with guns since the early 70's.

You have to remember that it's lock work was designed way back in the late 1800s and still serves today's S&W revolvers (and are very popular) but, significant changes have taken place such as the Performance Package has renewed interest in them. I consider anything made after the Performance Package safe with all modern factory ammo? One advantage to the 29 family is their weight compared to say, Ruger Redhawks along with their undeniable accuracy and packablity. I think one reason for the rivalry is IMHS associations competitions where damaging heavy loads were the norm hence you have the Dan Wesson's, Ruger's and others with much beefed up action works to survive the constant shooting of much heavier loads?
In closing, I would remind you that Doug Wesson(in 1935) took most all big game on this continent with the then new .357 magnum way before the .44 magnum was a figure in the mind of S&W engineers. Don't sell either of them short!
Steve
Steve