It really isn't very satisfactory practice ammunition. At least the lead stuff isn't. I never shoot jacketed +P. The 158 grain SWCs give adequate accuracy for reasonable self defense distances but don't really produce gratifyingly tight groups. Leading generally rears its ugly head after more than a few rounds. Plus P is noisy and recoils smartly in small handguns. It's costly and frequently more difficult to find. At least stocks of 158 grain +P are not often available.

On the plus side I've found that 158 grain +P prints very closely to the same spot on target as 158 grain standard velocity ammunition. It may be an inch or two lower at most. A .38 Special is at its best for serious self defense use when loaded with +P.