I believe they are forged.... but i probably wouldn't push them much past 600. The rods will go way before you have issues with the pistons.
If your going to put new rods in might as well do the pistons too and not have to worry.
I have a JLP shortblock so its his stuff inside. JLP,JDM, MMR, Mahle, manley all good choices just depends how much power and how much you want to spend.