Here's a few 38 Special loads for prudent hunters to consider as an emergency backup weapon or for very short varmint hunting distances only:
1. 130-gr. FMJ Ball @ 830 fps in 4" barrel.
2. FBI Load: 158-gr. +P LSWCHP (Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point) or SWC (Semi-Wadcutter) @ 890 fps in 4" barrel / 13.8" & .57".
3. Hornady 125-gr. +P XTP JHP.
4. Speer 125-gr. +P Bonded Gold Dot.
5. Remington 125-gr. +P Golden Saber.
6. Winchester Super-X 125-gr. JHP.
7. CorBon 185-gr. +P or 160-gr. +P (Barnes) DPX (Taurus 185-gr. +P Hex Bullet is Similar). 10.6" & .63".
8. Speer 135-gr. (Short Barrel) Gold Dot @ 860 fps in 2" barreled snubby / 11.4" & .59".
9. 148-gr. Lead Wadcutter (LWC - Flat with Square Shoulder) @ 710 fps / 9.7" & .50".
10. For emergency self defense, use: 1. 130-gr. FMJ; 2. FBI Load; 3. Run really fast.