A maximum, standard pressure ??

One has to realize that most of the 38 special load test were made with a K frame 38. These were built like a tank and could hold up to some pretty heavy loads.

Take a heavy standard K frame load and put it in a light J frame and you will have a load that may damage the gun or shooter. One reason that there are starting loads and maximum loads in manuals foe 38 special data.

A max load for my J frame snub is 5.0 grs of Unique while my K frame 6 inch likes 5.5grs of powder and is reading over 1010fps with a lead bullet, which for me is plenty for a 38 load.

I could shove in more powder but I would not be able to control the gun and recoil for placing good, accurate groups.

However if you want to impress the guys at the range there are always those maximum loads...............