Remington HV 158 RN?

I have some older ammo that appears to be factory; it has a slightly oxidized round nose swaged bullet. The case is nickel, the single cannelure is sharp and there are no marks from any die on the case. The headstamp says R-P 38 SPL HV. They contain 11.9 gr of a fine ball powder. 

I’ve never seen nor heard of these before. They seem to be a predecessor of +P loads.

Ever see these before? I’m surprised that Rem would load a non flake, ball powder. While it wouldn’t be a cannister grade it would be close to something…maybe 296? 

Wht do you think?

HV = High Velocity ?

Multiracer wrote:HV = High Velocity ?

Of course!

Prior to +P ammo company's made HV ammo for Police departments loaded in nickel cases since the nickel cases didn't tarnish or cored. Surplus ammo was sold to civilians.

As others have noted it was a “High Velocity”  loading primarily for police.  It was not uncommon for Remington to use Winchester Ball powders in their ammunition.  This cartridge was loaded to about 1050 fps so it was hot. It would also be prone to leading which is why it wasn’t too popular, and if you did want to shoot some, I’d do it in a 357 chambered revolver.

There is also the old 38-44 (hi-speed) load, which these might be. They were intended for the S&W 38-44 revolver, a 38 Special built on the N-frame, and the Colt Shooting Master. Remington notes in their 1948 product description that they are intended especially for those guns. They also say the pressure "is safe for lighter guns, but the recoil is likely to be more unpleasant and the frame may be shaken loose in time." Their ballistics were a 158 grain lead bullet at 1115 fps from a 5" barrel.