If you can shoot lead at your range, buy some cheap hardcasts (Dardas, Missouri bullet co, etc.). They won't lead at "FBI Load" velocities. I use them and they work great. Or, buy coated bullets if you can't use lead (they're a little more expensive). Check out SNS casting. I'm about to switch to these because of the range rules.

Like others have said, don't waste money on the Rim Rock bullets for range rounds. There are far cheaper alternatives. Save the Rim Rocks for shooting people mammalian threats.

My self-defense practice .38 +P load is a 158 gr hardcast (~18 BHN) over 6.3 gr of Power Pistol. It clocks 980 from my 2" M10 and 1100 from my 4" M64. With Unique, start at 5 gr and work up to 5.5.

Good luck and have fun. It's a good feeling to have a 50 can full of SD practice rounds for many long days of training.

__________________
an actual conservative