Best .38 Special +P defense loads by product line
| Product Line | Grain | Type | Typical CPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speer Gold Dot SB .38 +P | 135gr | JHP | $0.50—0.85 |
| Federal HST .38 +P | 130gr | JHP | $0.55—0.90 |
| Hornady Critical Defense .38 | 110gr | FTX | $0.55—0.90 |
What to know about .38 Special +P
+P loads generate 10—15% more velocity than standard .38 Special, which is critical for reliable hollow point expansion from short-barreled revolvers. Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P Short Barrel is the gold standard for snub-nose carry. Verify your revolver is rated for +P before sustained use — all modern revolvers and all .357 Magnum revolvers handle +P without issues.