Quote:
Originally Posted by cristphoto
Thanks for the reply - reassuring to hear. Is a 38-44 load a +P? Not familiar with the caliber. Again novice here.
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The .38-44 load was a higher pressure .38 Special cartridge dating from before the .357 magnum that was intended for the heavier N-frame Smiths chambered for .38 Specials that could handle the increased power. Thus the name - .38 for a .44 frame gun.
The "Heavy Duty" N-frame Smiths designed for it were made well past the half-century mark. There were also the adjustable-sighted "Outdoorsman" revolvers that could handle this round.
These were the predecessors of the .357 magnum guns, and many Heavy Duties and Outdoorsmans were re-chambered for the slightly longer .357 round and handled it easily.
Here's an article I did on the Heavy Duty revolver:
Examining the .38/44 Heavy Duty (Model 20) revolver...
John