Welcome.
I enjoyed the long post. I got my Model 29 with 8-3/8ths" inch barrel in 1989 or so. I carried it concealed (Ha! Oh yes I did!) in a Bianchi x-15 shoulder holster under a sport coat for years in GA and then again when I got my CHL here in NC in the 90's.
I loaded it with 210 grain silvertips.
I shot at a deer at 80 yards six times and missed all six and my hearing has never been right since

There is a learning curve with this gun. Forgive me if you know this, but do not let the wrist articulate during recoil, but rather the elbow.
Even Dirty Harry shot specials in his. Fine but I will tell you that the shorter rounds will score the chambers and deposit carbon in the chambers right at the very spot where the longer magnum cases expand. I practiced and practiced with 44 specials and then at the end of the range session loaded up the magnums. When it came time to reload, I tilted the gun and brought the web of my hand down hard and quick on the extraction rod and pierced a painful hole in my hand! Owwwww! This did NOT extract the cases! It felt the same as if I had slammed my hand down on a desk paper spike. Well, maybe the desk spike would have gone clean through because it is pointy and maybe would hurt less.
Please use downloaded magnum cases if you must shoot weaker practice rounds.
I have also learned a technique to get the revolver cylinder sparkling clean using a product called Iosso bore cleaner and a 3/8ths inch drill.
When my son turned 21 the best man gift I could give him was that revolver and he still has it.
I hope you do not make the mistake I made.
Enjoy the 44!
Best Welcome Regards!
BrianD