Oldie but a goodie- - -
the 158 LSWCHP, as loaded by Remington, Winchester or Federal, is still the best-performing all-around .38 Spl load. Also called the Dallas load, because DPD used to issue it.
There is no "Magic Bullet" in .38 Spl, so many of us go with the good, middle-of-the-road, load. Called "Plue P," it packs a goodly velocity for a full-weight bullet, while still being highly accurate and very controlable, and lacking a blazing muzzle flash.
I used top go by Dallas County Crime Lab a couple of times a month, and have seen several of these bullets recovered at autopsies. Typically, from a two-inch, they begin expanding nicely--Usually to around .400". From a four-inch, to nearly .450, and from a six-inch, to a pretty spectacular mushroom. Never saw one fired from a longer-barrel revolver. All that was back in late 70s and early 80s.
Elder son downed two javelinas in about a minute with these loads from his six-inch Colt.
I personally know of several handguns loaded with this number at this moment--and not all in my house. Let's see---Colt Agent, Colt Officers Model Special, S&W M-10 HB 4", M-10 3", M-37 2", M-36 2".
When I load up a .357 for home defense, the first two chambers are loaded with these, and the other four with full-house magnums.
Bullet placement is still tha major concern, of course, but my choice for any .38 Spl is still the 158 LSWCHP.
Best,
Johnny