I'm going to swim against the current on this one...
The revolver is my favorite type of handgun. I have 2 short barreled snubbies; one is a lightweight and one is a steel frame. Muzzle flash and audible report are very important, but controllability and repeatability of 2nd and 3rd shots is also important. I have chosen the following loads based on feedback from retired LEO's who relied on snubbies in their career. I will also explain why.
Short barreled revolvers, either .38 spl or .357 mag : Hornady 125 grain XTP jacketed hollowpoint .38 spl (non +p). This is the closest load commercially available to the esteemed .38 spl 125 grain Nyclad Lead Hollowpoint load (originally developed by Smith & Wesson and later made by Federal; this load is out of production) that allows good penetration and good expansion out of short barreled snubbies. This Nyclad load was nicknamed the "Chiefs' Special" load after the original "Chiefs' Special" series of .38 snubbies made by Smith & Wesson.
The Hornady load allows good penetration since it has a shallow hollowpoint with controlled expansion (it penetrates faster than it expands) to reach vital organs. The non +p loading reduces flashbang and muzzle flip so you can gain your senses back and place 2nd and 3rd shots with greater control...
it does you no good to have a powerful magnum in your house if you can't place the shots where they can do the most damage on a perpitrator.
I will admit that I have not extensively researched or used the lower flash/lower recoil +p or magnum loadings that are being offered by Speer so I cannot offer reasons to use them.
4" or 6" barreled .357's: I will venture into 38 +p's here due to the longer barrel allowing more efficient powder burn and less fireball at the end of the barrel. Traditionally, I will use Winchester Super X 158 grain Lead Semiwadcutter Hollowpoints + p. Remington also makes a version. (AKA: the FBI load, the Chicago load)
This load was developed for use by institutions that only allowed .38's or those that didn't want to buy .357's. This load was designed for use in 4" barrels due to a slower burning powder and gives performance above regular .38's and below .357's. The LSWCHP is much better than the feeble 158 grain Lead Round Nose that used to be an LEO standard. If you follow the % of one shot stops reported out there, this load is equal to those rates of .45 ACP hardball. (@67%)
The Winchester LSWCHP bullet uses a higher amount of antimony (hardens the lead alloy) to reduce barrel and forcing cone leading and may not expand well if shot from a short barreled snubbie. The Remington LSWCHP bullet is softer and more often recommended for use in shorter barreled guns since it should expand at lower velocities.
I have found that the Remington loads are less precisely crimped and that the bullets may be seated at different heights in the same box. Because the crimping is not as tight as on the Winchester loads, there is a better chance of bullets pulling from their casings in a lightweight revolver due to greater recoil transfer into the bullets. (less weight in the gun to "soak" up the recoil)
