Deaf Smith
Member
Deaf,
I do not consider the 158 gr. Round Nose Lead (RNL) non +P 38 Special to be superior to the 38/200. I consider it just as bad as the 38/200 in stopping power.
The 158 gr. RNL cartridge was called "The Widow Maker" by LEO's back then for good reason.
Both cartridges were underpowered when they were introduced 100 years ago as was proven in the Philippines and in the trenches in W.W.I. Today there is no reason for a person to handicap themselves in a obsolete, anemic cartridge in century old handgun made of weaker steel and old springs that may break at any moment.
I do consider the 38 Special + P JHP/XTP/Critical Defense (take your pick) vastly superior to both the 38/200 and 158 gr. RNL 38 Special.
The ball is in your court.
Your 'considered' as adequate is not what everyone else considers adequate.
Sorry but when you talked about the Detective Special one has to remember that ONLY the post-1972 Colt Detective Special is factory rated for up to 3000 rounds of +P ammo. Most are not rated for +p, hence standard loads. As for RNL, it was used well into the 1970s and while not perfect it was not a total failure. We still use RNL in the form of FMJ in the military AND many people use .380s for SD. They even make a .380 revolver now (Taurus.)
Like I said, it will get you through the night.
Deaf