I'm trying to find some help concerning the frame strength of two pistols from which I would like to start shooting heavy loads for hunting. The bullets I've chosen to begin with are cast by Leadhead: 250gr Keith (4.30) and 270gr Keith (452). The pistols are a S&W mod 29 8 3/8" and a Ruger Vaquero (old) with a 5 1/2". I've owned a few model 29s before and they all seemed to "rattle apart" with hunting loads, what pressures should I try to stay under? Next, is the Vaquero as sturdy as Black or Red Hawks? I kind of doubt it, but I believe I don't have to stay with SAA pressures either. Any help or insights would be appreciated.

It's not just frame strength, it's all the other working parts as well. The S&W is a great rev. I have several, but the cyl. hand & locking bolt are quite small & the cyl. lock recesses are quite small & shallow. They just take a pounding from heavy loads. The Rugers are pretty hell for stout, especially in the Super Redhawks.

Back when I decided to get a hunting revolver I went with a bisley 44 blackhawk and 45 vaquero. It should take a steady diet at that bullet weight. I shot a lot of 360 grain and 320s out of my 45 (vaquero, old) and it held up fine. Base pin needs changing though... it would pop out.

From what I've heard the redhawks can have a longer cartridge overall length, which could mean more powder space when using longer slugs.

I never had any problems with a M-29..Guess I didn't load them as hot as some folks do, never saw any reason to, an extra 50 FPS gains zilch on game or bad people.

I can't believe the timing of this question. I was actually thinking about this on the way to work today. Can one actually measure frame stretch? Such as an enlarging barrel/cylinder gap? Maybe?

If you do a search for Paco Kelly, I found an article from him (and Linebaugh) which basically said that for Rugers at least, the cylinder gave way before the frame. They replaced the cylinder, and the gun shot as before. They created a series of tests that they estimated wound up at 80,000 psi before the cylinder gave way. Bottom line is that you probably don't have to worry about the frame!
Peter.