what good is the +P in .38 SPL

So define "surprise the 38 was the best performer"???
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Terminal performance is a combination of expansion AND penetration. One without the other is not desireable. So the "best" bullet is the one that produces both in the best manner.

Of the bullets I tested, the 39 +P had decent penetration (middle of the pack - approx 8.5") but expanded better than any other bullet (.620").

In comparison I tested a 110gr SJHP that blew an impressive 1" entry hole, expanded to .480", penetrated only 7" and shed 49% of its weight in the process. This was a highly impressive thing to consider but is not what we want for consistent wounding performance as a large heavily dressed man may not be seriously wounded by such a bullet.

On the other hand I had a brand name 158gr JHP penetrate 10" but which would fail to expand reliably or sometimes at all.

Then there was the 158gr Arcane bullet that punched through a level 2A kevlar vest AND continued on to penetrate almost 16" of media. However it doesn't expand at all.

There is no single do-all bullet that is the "best". Each bullet has its strengths and weaknesses but the best overall performer was the wholely underrated lead 38 +P.
 
That would be the safest assumption. A 357 magnum gun will have no problem with 38+P loads. There are also some 38s that could handle the +P but it would not be a safe assumption that that is the case.
 
Suputin, Im wondering if you tested any middle weight bullet out of the .357 mag and .38 special? Say something like 125grain gdhp, that would probably be my choice in both those cal's, maybe the 158's for the .357mag.
 
The 38 Special +P

... The .38 Special got it's poor reputation, or at least lack of confidence, from the old loads, which where low on velocity and used a round nosed lead 158 grain bullet. That all changed, certainly for the Police with the introduction of the so called "US Treasury " or "FBI" load with the higher velocity obtained with the +P and the 148 grain semi-wad-cutter, hollow point bullet. The factory round was, and here I speak specifically of the RCMP transition, safe in the newer .38 Special revolvers, but not for those with the early "C" series designations and the model 49s and 36 snub nosed revolvers. The model 10 2" revolvers were all of later manufacture and they were deemed safe with the +P rounds. Performance of the "new load" was excellent, with manageable recoil and the increased muzzle flash was still acceptable. The +P velocities were very close to the low-end 357 magnum rounds, and much more manageable for the average Police Officer, and certainly lacked little in the way of terminal effect. The RCMP transition to the 9mm pistol was not really about the lack of performance in the 38Spl.+P but more about an aging armory, and the perceived need for greater capacity(and improved sights for low light conditions) . With the revolver, there were six in the cylinder and two speed loaders (for the uniformed Officers) for a total of 18 rounds, the "new" pistol has 16 in just one magazine, plus 2 spare magazines of 15 rounds. (A lot more shots, and a lot more weight on the belt at the end of the shift !!) .... Don't under-rate the "old" 38spl.+P !! .... David K.
 
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