Most 38 specials need a 4" barrel to get the factory ammo to expand be it lead or copper jacket bullets.

Best load in my mod 49 with the win and Rem 125gr sjhp
was an Alliant maximum 38 special of Unique that reached 931fps but the pattern was all over the place..........so I still agree that a 38 special does not really need a +P load and it will preform much better with regular factory velosity ammo.

Only factory loads that work in the snub nose is the silver tip and Nyclad for self defense and a bullet that will expand.


I will agree that a 124gr Jhp 9mm at 1200 fps is better than a 38 special J frame................ but a K frame or heavier will match this bullet and my L frame can get 1305fps out of a 38 special case with just Unique with out going to the magnum powders.
A 125gr in a 357 magnum can hit 1700fps ......
but only 1450 fps is needed........and 1250fps will work.