Research - 38-44, 38 Spl +P cartridge evolution

[Hi-Speed]

My research based on actual chronograph data out there of vintage 38-44, 38 Hi Speed/Super X and today’s 38 Spl +P ammo leads me to arrive at the following conclusions:

There may be three distinct levels of the 38 Spl 158 gr lead high velocity loadings:

1. Original 38-44 Loadings:
Rem UMC 38-44/Winchester Super X (large pistol primer) 158 gr lead (1930s vintage)
Muzzle velocities:
Rem UMC (ref: Peter Eick S&W Forum, actual tests)
6.5 inch S&W Heavy Duty - 1,121 fps
5 inch S&W Heavy Duty - 1,079 fps
4 inch S&W Heavy Duty - 1,010 fps
Super X (large pistol primer)
4 inch S&W Heavy Duty - 994 fps (ref: Outpost75 chronograph data)

2. 1950s until +P designations in 1970s
Remington 38 Spl “Hi-Speed” 158 gr lead - 4 inch 943 fps (ref: 1972 Law Enforcement Digest)
Super X 158 gr Metal Penetrating - 4 inch 939 fps (ref: Outpost75 chronograph data)
Winchester Super X 158 gr lead high velocity - 4 inch 924 fps, 6 inch 1,036 fps (ref: July/Aug ‘70 Handloader)
(Some of the early 38 Spl +P 158 gr lead loads may fall in this category)

3. Today’s 38 Spl +P (+P designation inception through today)
Remington/Winchester 38 Spl +P 158 gr LHP - 4 inch 900 avg, 6 inch avg 950 - 975 fps (ref: various)


…one may argue that items 2 and 3 may overlap, which I agree with