This one or a Unique fueled handloaded equivalent, traveling about 925-950 fps from a 4-inch revolver, is my choice and I happily made my peace with it long ago. Saves on dithering over one's choice of the latest fancy "premium self-defense ammo of the week" and all the marketing hype associated with it. The "FBI load" or similarly prepared handload is always correct when using .38 Special revolvers for self defense. I particularly like the idea of using it in snubs.

For me, the 158 grain semi-wadcutter fired from the .38 Special revolver has worked great on Texas critters including deer. I'm not even too concerned if it comes equipped with a hollow point or not. I've got a box of Remington +P 158 grain SWC that came without the hollow point feature and think it's fine.