Pressure Levels- standard and +P

[Mohawk]

My .38 Buffalo Bore LHP load runs about 964 fps in a 4" bbl which is kinda hot for a std pressure 158 gr load. Rem and Win LHP runs 890 fps and are rated +P. How do they get more velocity without needing +P pressures?

[Redhawk1]

My .38 Buffalo Bore LHP load runs about 964 fps in a 4" bbl which is kinda hot for a std pressure 158 gr load. Rem and Win LHP runs 890 fps and are rated +P. How do they get more velocity without needing +P pressures?

It must be the type of power they use. Some powders and primers will increase pressures.

[Graybeard]

All BB loads are +P that's all they load I think. I'm not aware of any commercial loader who loads hotter. They are not for guns not +P rated really. I've mostly used their magnum loads and even they are +P as they chrono faster than anyone else's loads.

[Mohawk]

That's the thing, GB. Mine (20C) load specifies standard pressure. They also load I think a gold dot. They are loaded as low flash. My only guess is there are different opinions on where the +P ratings start? Shooting the 20C load does not feel +P so I will agree with the box that it is not. But 964 fps is what it was clocked at with BB's 4" Ruger, I thing a Security Six.

[Doublebass73]

I checked BB's website and they do say those are standard pressure. I carry the +P version of that same load which is rated at 1000 fps from a 2" barrel 

I wonder what the original spec was for the .38 Special?