Colt used to advertise their Police Positive Special for 38-44, this was back in the 30's. A PPS is a small gun compared to a K frame. They never intended on a steady diet of 38-44, but that for defense police could carry a round capable of penetrating the heavy car doors of that period. 38-44 is considerably hotter than present day +P, more like +P+.
I knew a detective who carried a model 36, probably issued in the 60's who carried factory 38-44. He did not practice with the hot load it was there for one purpose. He did shoot at least one round through the model 36 with no signs of damage. I am not sure if that was the only time he fired his gun in the line of duty. The soft LRN smashed the pelvis of a felon holding a nurse hostage.
I would say carry what you feel you need for SD. Practice with standard loads. Yes the +P ammo is going to recoil more, and have a louder boom. But if you are like my long gone detective friend you will only need one shot. Use it wisely.
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