Keep in mind the gun. What kicks too much in an Airweight S&W and would abuse the gun if shot much may be what's needed in a three-inch Ruger SP-101 or even a three-inch full-lug barrel M-60. Or a K-frame .38...


Why have those hot BB loads with deep penetrating bullets? Apart from felons, if you have only a small .38 with you and have to shoot a large, dangerous animal, that's what's wanted.


I can see some casual hiker or backpacker thinking that he won't really need a gun, so he takes just a snub .38 and that's the day he meets a bear or a renegade Rottweiler.