.380 Mk2z

[Mortblanc]

Looking at the suggested load data for both cartridges, and looking at the firearm designs available for the 38S&W/380 I would have to place design restrictions on the use of "overloaded" .38 S&W rounds.

An "overload", meaning a .38 S&W round loaded to .38 spl standards, might be tolerable in a S&W model 10, or a Colt New Police revolver made during or after WW2. Both of those designs were manufactured to the same strength in both rounds as a matter of normal production. Both of those designs were routinely rechambered for .38spl by surplus dealers by the simple act of running a reamer into the cylinder. They continued to function flawlessly right up til today with the only normal complaint being that they swell the cases a bit on firing.

It would be different for the many Webley, Enfield, S&W top break, Iver Johnson and H&R revolvers. None of them are made to the same strength levels as the solid frame, side swing cylinder, Colt and S&W designs.

It is the weak hinge at the front and the potential for excess wear on the top latch that would concern me. I have seen many of the old top break revolvers that were worn to uselessness using standard loads, so an overload would be unacceptable in those designs.