There have been much improvements in bullet technology in the last few years, there are some ammo designed to expand at the lower speeds of the short barreled pistols and revolvers. I would be looking for that ammo or bullets if you reload, that are specifically designed for short barrels. As far as +P, I think the law of diminishing gains comes into play, a standard 38 load is good, a +P is a little better, if it takes .357 magnum rounds a little better yet. The problem is with the magnums and +P loads is the increase in recoil worth the small amount of gains in velocity. Try the standard 38 spl., than try the +P, if you can accurately make the follow up shots, than you are good to go.