That's not a "hunch". I have seen .44 Magnum S&W N frames beat to death with steady use of heavy loads (read - "handloads"). While you may not have ever seen one only means that you have never seen one. If it can be done with a N frame, it can also be done with an L frame that was designed for a considerably weaker cartridge. If you are only going to shoot standard factory ammunition you will probably never beat it up to the point where it needs an overhaul. However guys who handload and feel the need for more velocity, ft. lbs, "stopping power, etc, etc, etc, will continue to trash nice guns just like they always have.