I've been working up a max standard pressure defense load for use in my vintage Detective Specials. 158 gr LSWCHP/Unique/Winchester primers. The data are is over the map--
Hornady 1973 manual--max 6.1 grains (not designated +P)
Speer 1974 manual-- max 4.7 gr
Lyman 1970 manual-- max 5.4 gr
Lyman 1973 cast manual--max 5.1
Hornady 5th edition manual--max 4.2
Alliant manual-- max 4.3 gr (they list 4.5 gr as "plus P")

Any wise advice as to how hot I can safely load for these old guns would be appreciated. I recently saw a vintage Colt ad which listed the ammo suited to the D Special. They included the 38/44 loads--no thanks