.38+p

[jdb]

I'm looking for a good general purpose +p .38 load. I'm thinking like 135 grain to 140 grain bullet. But I'm open to suggestions? I'd prefer to use unique as I have several pounds.

[Jonathan_S]

Yeah the .357 

unique should do well, just don't ask too much from a .38 frame 

[jdb]

These will be shot in a small frame .357

[Mongo Hunter]

I really like the Corbon DPX 110g +P. That's my carry round. not too snappy but the round is smoken.

[Bill W]

If it was me I'd go with factory ammo from your local store.

I was loading some ammo that was just under +P as my revolver wasn't rated for anything higher.  I was supposed to be in the 900fps range and when I chronied it found out the velocity was in the 660 fps range.  Wasn't sure for the reason if it was old powder, bad crimp, old primers, excess barrel gap, oversized barrel... I was left with all those questions and a few more.

One thing I didn't do was increase the powder charge until I got the book velocity.

[Special T]

I'm not sure why you would need anything more than a good factory ammo for an up close and personal gun like a 38...

[theleo]

Hopefully this helps a little. I don't have data for liter bullets. My model 60 gets fed liter 357 loads with 160gr cast lead at 1,100 fps using BE-86

[jdb]

I'm not sure why you would need anything more than a good factory ammo for an up close and personal gun like a 38...

.38's come in many shapes and sizes far beyond up close and personal 

[thinkingman]

I'm not sure why you would need anything more than a good factory ammo for an up close and personal gun like a 38...

.38's come in many shapes and sizes far beyond up close and personal 

OP said small frame revolver.
Generally not a target or hunting configuration.
Depending on barrel length, your velocities may not be what you hope for.

[jdb]

Small frame. Target sights. It's very accurate.

[theleo]

Small frame. Target sights. It's very accurate.

And pleasant to shoot for extended trips to the range.