Hi,
I agree with SaxonPig and others that the +P round is not as hot as it used to be. I shoot for practice mainly 158g round nose target rounds. But because I believe everyone should practice with their SD/HD rounds I practice with all of my 38 specials including my pre-model years with +P rounds. I have owned or own now several pre-model 38 special revolvers and all of them have many round of +P rounds put them. My HD round is Buffalo Bores LSWCHP 158gr +P. I believe this is the hottest factory round rated at +P available. My M&P 38 special, combat masterpiece 38 special and my chiefs 38 special all have seen this round and just not a few. So far I don't have any wear issues on the revolvers and lockup is tight and timing is right on. In conclusion I believe the +P round is overdone and I also believe the paragraph in S&W manual is lawyer driven to protect S&W from lawsuits.
Regards,
roaddog28