I asked the same question when I bought my model 36. I carry Federal Personal Defense 110 gr hydrashocks in my 36, It's a standard pressure round but delivers about the same muzzle energy as a +P round. According to MidwayUSA around 244 ft/lbs (probably less for snubbies). That is equal to a lot of +P loads. Which tells me that this round is pretty hot. For practice a shoot the standard 130gr MCs or lower pressure rounds, like a wadcutter or even cowboy loads.
I like my Chief's Special. I use it as a primary carry in warm weather with a 380 as a back up.