38 special question

[snuffer#1]

I have a 38 special that was give to me. It's in great condition also. I was wondering what powder to use and what grain bullet you would suggest. I have thought about either a 140 gr or 158 gr HP. I know it's no big pistol but I want to make it a unfriendly stopper if you know what I mean. It has a 4 or 4 1/2 inch barrel. I also believe it is a K-frame. It is a S&W. I didn't buy any store-bought bullets for it because I want to reload for it. Any advise I would appreciate!
                                                      snuffer

[PA-Joe]

You can't go wrong with Unique and a 148 grain lead wad cutter!

[james]

I used 2400 powder and 125  or 158 jhp for my hot loads.  My K frame is a .357 and rings my ears with full power loads.  I load 158 gr. semi wadcutters in .38 spec cases to practice with.  I don't enjoy shooting  a steady diet of hot loads and its probably not that good for the gun either.

[CyberSniper]

You will probably get several opinions on this.
As for me, I'd get a few of those store bought loads for defense, and
load for the gun more for practice and plinking.
The .38 Special is great for cast bullet shooting, also cuts costs
over jacketed bullets. Powders like Unique, Bullseye, and
Hodgdon's Tite Group work well. Actually, many powders work
well in the .38 Special. 125 or 158 grain lead bullets work
well for most uses.

[Mikey]

snuffer#1 - take a look at the markings on the revolver and you should find it to be a Model 10, by your description.  These revolvers are safe with standard pressure loads that make a 38 a very 'unfriendly' cartridge.  My favorite 38 Special load is an old Winchester factory load (standard pressure) for a 200 gn bullet - 3.8 gns of WW 231.  I use a 200 gn cast swc from either Mt. Baldy Bullets or Colorado Cast Bullets.  All are very accurate in my 38 specials.  HTH.  Mikey.