I thought this thread was going to die the death it richly deserves. Please, please, .38SPL adovcates, STOP. You cannot make a case that any .38SPL load is anywhere near as effective as a .357, to try to do so involves smoke and mirrors.

I'm no Jerry Michulek but I can make pretty quick COM hits with my 3" barreled SP101 which chronographs over 1300 fps/600 ft lbs using Buffalo Bore 158gr JHPs. A universe ahead of any .38 SPL.

Odds of ever using a gun for self defense are very slim, use the best in the event you ever need to protect yourself, .38SPL isn't it. Don