Deb15 - the steel frame S&Ws should be able to handle +P loads without a problem. One of the gun mags ran an article about testing two non-+P rated S&W snubbies with +P loads and after 2500 rounds each the guns shot better than before. Following that, S&W began rating some of their snubbies for +P loads.
However, if S&W says don't fire them in your Ladysmith, then trade them off for some standard pressure loads.
Lots of folks go for the use of the +P loads in snubnosed revolvers because they think it gives them some sort of an advantage. If you can neither hit or place your shots where they should go with standard pressure loads you chances of doing what is necessary with higher pressure loads drops exponentially.
There has been lots of talk about this load or that, whether 38s will penetrate car bodies, drop the bad guys on the first shot, etc., and etc to ad nauseum. The 38 Special is a soft target round. 158 gn Standard pressure loads will do just fine as defense rounds from a snubbie.
Trade the hot stuff off for some standard pressure 158 gn swc loads and practice with your revolver. I feel you would be in a much better position to adequately defend yourself if practiced and confident with standard pressure loads than if neither with +Ps. HTH. Mikey.
