Most of the reloading recipes for the .38-44 given in the older Lyman reloading handbooks dating from the 1950s and 1960s used 2400, as it was probably the best available propellant of the time for that purpose. But there were a few given which used Unique. While there are newer propellants today which could be used, 2400 remains one of the best choices for those wishing to duplicate factory .38-44 ballistics (not available since the early 1970s from the major loaders). The original factory .38-44 cartridges were advertised as being suitable for use in any good-condition .38 Special revolver, warning only against excessive recoil if used in lighter-frame revolvers.

Except during the early days, most ammunition manufacturers did not use the .38-44 terminology. Winchester called theirs the "Super Speed" .38 Special, Western used "Super-X", and Remington used "Hi-Speed."