In 1966, I asked S&W about safely firing .38-44 ammo in a Model 10. Keep in mind that this was the real .38-44 load, hotter than MOST Plus P, which had yet to appear.


Mr. Fred Miller, then Sales Manager, replied that it wouldn't blow up my gun, but that if I planned to fire much of that ammo, I should buy a .38-44 revolver or a .357. Otherwise, the M-10 would shoot loose much sooner than with normal .38 Spcl. loads.


I have no hesitation in firing normal modern Plus P in a suitable gun, but Buffalo Bore and another company or two load beyond normal Plus P specs. They seem safe, but no doubt, do add to wear and tear if fired often.


Would I routinely run Buffalo Bore's hot loads in my guns? No. Would I fire a few now and then to remain familiar with them and carry them in the cylinder of a gun worn in bear country? Absolutely!


BB has a hot .38 round that virtually replicates the old hot .38-44 ammo. I think it'd be a good load in K-frame .357's. You could then limit your M-19, 66, etc. to using full Magnum ammo to just the rare occasions when you really need a full .357.