On all firearms, I've heard it both ways for as many years as I can count. Obviously, it's not good in rimfires. In centerfires, it tends to cause some firing pins to crystallize and break. In break open designs, I've seen a number of guns that excessive dryfiring, peened the receiver face out around the firing pin hole. I have no idea with the Handi's but as Tim said...why do it when you can use a snap cap