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Jack. Do a little research on a cartridge called the 38/44. This was the forerunner to the .357 Mag. and was a hot loaded .38 Spl. designed to be fired in "N" frame S&Ws or Colt New Services or other 44-45 framed .38's.
.38 Spl Plus-P's with 158 gr. bullets seem to run about 900 FPS from a 4 inch barrel. 38/44's ran 1150 FPS with a 158 gr. lead bullet from a 6 1/2 inch barrel.
Considering the improvement in the steel used in handguns today, would I fire one of these 38/44 or equivilent loads in a "K" frame gun? In a word, NO!
Recoil in an S&W 38/44 Outdoorsman is just about as stout as the original .357 Mag. loads which ran almost 300 FPS faster that what is loaded today. (Comparing 158 gr. lead SWC loads. No jacketed ammo available in 1935)
How potent was the 38/44? I used one back in 1958 or 9 to kill a black bear. It took two shots.
The .357 was downloaded because of guns such as the S&W Model 19 and 66, on the "K" frame were being shot loose due to the hot ammo.
I don't have the specs for Plus-P-Plus ammo in .38 Spl., but I think even that stuff is below the 38/44 ammo in pressure.
Be careful. The hand you lose could be yours.
Paul B.
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