Eddietruett:

For practice load up what ever suits your fancy, comfort, accuracy and budget. For serious SD concerns I'd say go with the Buffalo Bore 38 Special 158 grain +P LSWCHP-GC. Out of a 2.5" barrel you should get close to 1100 fps with this BB +P 38 Spl. Penetration, accuracy, consistency, expansion and performance is excellent! POA = POI in most CCW Revolvers I've shot it from.

Using .357 Magnums in a 2.5" bbl. is no advantage over the BB load above when it comes to 158 grain bullets. Velocities and performance from the .38 Spl. OUT OF A SNUBBY is actually better than the Magnum load WITHOUT all the flash, noise, recoil and slow follow up shots. The .357 Magnum SHINES in a 5 or 6" barreled gun which is what it was made for.