I heard a few members say they're barrels cracked using these loads.

I think that most of the reported problems were from 125 gr .357 loads, not 38spl's. Splitting the forcing cones. The 125 gr 38 spl's are pretty tame.
kid
Of course re-reading your post better(Michelob Amber Bock, great beer), I see you mentioned J frames. I'm still unaware of any adverse troubles with a J frame and any non+P ammo. My carry is a 60 and it eats any 38spl loads like a fat kid eating candy

RE: Cracked J Frame Barrels

All that I'm aware of are split frames under the forcing cone due to improper barrel installation at the factory. I'm not aware of any cracked J frame barrels.

My carry round is the 125 gr Hornady XTP non plus P. I have fired at 500 of them through my various J-Frames with no problems. I strip and inspect my revolvers every second range shoot (works out to once a month if the J Frame is current carry EDC) and have found no indications of problems.Pistols are rated at +P so I don't see how non +Ps could be damaging them.

Shoot normal .38spl stuff in my 1981 steel-frame Chief's Special Model 36. Never a problem. I stay away from +P because I don't think the Model 36 no dash was designed for +P.

For almost all my target practice I shoot my own reloads, which are purposely loaded light. This makes guns last longer and makes the shooting sessions more fun too.

There's no reason to shoot 38 +P in a steel-framed J frame, except to make sure the sights are well regulated for that load.

Once you know the +P load shoots to point-of-aim, load 'em if you like in your M36 as a self defense load. A steel J-frame in fine condition won't be hurt GENERALLY with +P.

Note: I say GENERALLY because there will always be guns that break for mysterious reasons that are far out of the ordinary.

T.