44 Magnum Mod. 29: trouble with a swollen chamber of the cylinder

[stansdds]

Good evening.
I bought another 44 Magnum 29-5. It is more beautiful than the previous one (always 29-5) and has no defects. I have already fired 240 grs factory ammunition. Some friends suggest not always shooting factory ammunition in order not to weaken the revolver, but to switch to reloading in order not to stress the weapon too much. Since I had a negative experience with the first revolver, I wondered whether factory ammunition could really damage the revolver with continued use, and therefore shoot every now and then preferring reloaded ammunition with a lower power. Are my firends rights, or can I safely shoot the commercial ammunition?
Thanks to whoever will answer me.
Greetings

The 29-5 received all of S&W's design changes to make the N-frame 44 Magnum more durable. It should hold up just fine with factory 44 Magnum loads. Your wrists might not hold up, but the Model 29-5 and later do not have the durability issues of the prior versions of the Model 29.

 

[steelslaver]

It should be able to handle thousands of rounds of factory 44 mag. It may last a tiny bit longer with 44 specials, but most of the actual wear on things like to cylinder stop, the ratchet, trigger and hammer parts will be the same. Lighter load will give lest barrel throat and top strap erosion but thats about it. The top strap erosion is self limiting anyway. If you paid just $.30 a round US for ammo you would spend multiple times more that the gun cost before you work t out with normal care.

100 rounds $30, 1000 rounds $300 5,000 where wear might begin to show a little $1500

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

My NIB 8 3/8 in nickel 29(bought 1974) came from the factory with an egg shaped chamber on one charge hole. After shooting it and finding the problem I sent it a back to Smith. They installed a new cylinder. And all has been right ever since.

 

[docpilot]

Thank you all. I learned a little more and I will keep it in mind.
Greetings.