So far I've been sticking to the 158 grain loads because they shoot to poa. I've been trying to avoid the +p stuff, but it seems that modern +p loads aren't what they used to be and aren't as bad for the older smiths as they were once thought to be. The FBI load is on my list of considerations. I've always had good experiences with Gold Dots and Hornady loads in my other carry guns. Just not sure with the .38 special. I understand the velocity and expansion are the primary concerns with the short barrelled .38s, leading me to believe that non jacketed lead loads are the best place to start.