Non +P ammo for a snub nose J frame revolver is around;

110gr JHP ........... 875fps.....187 Muzzle Energy
125gr JHP ........... 830fps.....191
148 Lwc............... 630fps.....130
Red Dot ...............775fps.....197
158 Lead............. 650fps.....148
Bullseye ............. 752fps......198

As you can see the full load 38 special in all bullets have close to the same energy.
Penetration and POA would help one select which loads to use.
Most agree that "Mass" is usually the winner in stopping a threat but confidence in a load is also a great thing to have on your side.