Although long before SAAMI standards, the .38-44 was introduced in the early 1930s and ran a 158 grain lead bullet at 1115 fps from a 5" revolver. If the Buffalo Bore and Underwood ammo are pushing a 158 at 1150 +- with 28.5k psi then the original factory .38-44s had to be in the 25k psi range...with the limited heat treating of pre-WWII guns. This ammo was produced well up into the 1960s.

If one looks at the 1950s and 60s vintage Shooter's Bible, Colt certified their steel D-Frame guns, as in Detective Special and Police Positive Special, for the "High Speed" (.38-44) rounds...anyone here believe that a post-WWII K-frame is not at durable as a Colt D-Frame... Before WWII Colt only recommended High Speed .38s for the Single Action Army and large frame DAs...same with S&W...The Outdoorsman and Heavy Duty only.

There were also .38-44 rounds in 150 grain that were 1275 fps and 110s at 1300+ fps...

If one looks in the Lyman Reloading Manuals from the 1950s and 60s there are High Speed loads listed there using both 2400 and Unique for wadcutter and several different SWC bullets...so this isn't exactly never done before uncharted territory...

Would I shoot these in aluminum frame guns...absolutely not...but have been shooting them in both a Model 36 and 649-2 since the 1980s with no ill effects...

They aren't for plinking and target shooting, they are made to save your life...

Bob