I have seen more than a few two legged animals that had been shot with .38 special in 148 grain LHBWC, 158 grain LSWC, 135 grain GDHP varieties. Out of an almost two inch barrel, +p or not, they don't expand. And if they did, you would just be trading diameter for depth. In my book its better to smash through bone and still be able to disrupt those vital systems beyond. For a given amount of energy each degree of extra width equals less penetration. Bosses and older guys would load up with the 148 grain wadcutters, Google a few gel test videos and compare that to newer lower recoil stuff like Hornady's pink lady. The Wadcutter plows through. The polymer tip hollow point gets huge but leaves a shallow hole. Pick yer poison. My preferences run Lyman 358495 over HP38/W231 if you roll yer own, or BB 150 grain LHCWC, BB 158 grain LSWC, Remington 148 grain LHBSWC, Remington 158 grain LSWC. The 158 grain LHPWC is ok in a three or four inch barrel. (Nothing against Federal or Winchester, stores around here just seem to stock Remington more.)

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