Here are my thoughts on +P

If you look at some old factory data compared to the new load data and new factory data, you can clearly see the .38 special load standards were higher than they are today. This data is straight out of books I own.









Standard:

1958 Federal 158 grain lead 855 fps

1971 Federal 158 grain lead 855 fps

2013 Federal American Eagle 158 LRN 770 fps

2013 Remington 158 gr LRN 755 fps

2013 Winchester 158 Gr LRN or LSWCHP 755 fps

Reload data:

2007 book 158 grain lead 708-844 fps start

2007 book158 grain lead 781 to 967 fps max

High Speed / Modern +P

1971 Federal 158 grain lead 1090 fps

2013 Winchester 158 grain LSWCHP 890 fps

2013 Remington 158 gr +P LSWCHP 890 fps

Reload Data:

2007 Book 158 gr lead 781-938 start

2007 Book 158 grain lead 843-1037 fps max

In comparison in 1972 the FBI introduced their +P standard 158gr LSWCHP load @ around 1000 fps. ( According to others: The Law Enforcement Handgun Digest of 1972 has a velocity chart on p. 188, which shows 1014 fps for this load (W38SPD) it has since been rated in modern times @ 890 fps)

Most standard factory 158 grain lead offerings run around 740-790 fps while most standard available 38 special +P lead offerings run 900-950. With some manufacturers such as Buffalo Bore advertising +P at 1000-1250 fps.

Just some data, take it as you will....