These bullets do NOT move at a higher velocity. Part of the point of the 200 grain 38 S&W design was that it moved at a LOWER velocity than the 146 grain load. This was supposed to reduce its rate of spin, thus reducing its stability, thus (in conjunction with its greater length) cause it to tumble on impact, thus, in a theory that was never successfully demonstrated, increasing its stopping power. The 178 grain version was faster than the 200 grain, but still slower than the original 146 grain load. That is why the sights on Webley and Enfield revolvers are so far off when used with standard 38 S&W loads.
Second, bigger meplats don't matter, not at this level of power. That is why semi-wadcutters and Keith-style bullets weren't any better for self defense for RNL. Nor were "truncated cone" type bullets at even 9mm Luger velocities; that was actually the original 9mm Luger bullet design.
Furthermore, the 200 grain and 178 grain loads DON'T have bigger meplats. The 200 grain load had a hemispherical nose, which the British thought mattered (for no discernible reason), and the 178 grain was even pointer than the 146 grain load. The meplats on these rounds do not differ significantly from the 146 grain load.
Look, it has occurred to me that maybe 455_Hunter would like 178 or 200 grain 38 S&W loads just so his Webley, Enfield, or S&W .38-200 revolver will shoot to point of aim. But that is not relevant to this H&R 38 Defender, which was made for American ammo, nor would it improve stopping power as far as I know - which is why I asked.
