Colt 1st generation 38 weakness

[bradw]

I've got a 1st gen Colt (1898) that someone reblued and rebarreled/rechambered to 38 spl. using 2nd gen barrel, hammer and cylinder. My question is where is the strenght or weakness in these the cylinder or frame? The cylinder looks pretty thick if I was inclined to fire some really hot loads through it, seems like it would hold but I'm wondering if there would be some stress on other parts that would cause trouble. I'm more curious than anything but if I wanted to try some +P or 38-44 loads sometime do you think there would be a problem. Thank you for any thoughts or insight.
Brad

[Bowenbuilt]

The only thing I can think of that might cause you a problem would be the firing pin hole in the frame. If this is worn it may freeze the cylinder on some really high pressure loads from primer flow but other than that you should be good to go on +P stuff as long as the gun is in good firing condition and is (for sure) using the smokeless cylinder as you said. Someone else may have a different opinion but mine gobbles +P rounds without a problem. I would not go above +P pressures for the .38 special, the 38/44 loads may be a bit much for the black powder frame.

[bradw]

Thanks Bowenbuilt, that's kind of what I was thinking. I don't know if I'll try it but might someday.