re the LSWC-HP loads
With the factory rounds (the Rem 38S12, Georgia Arms reloads with Hornady swaged) I've tried, I've not had significant leading. These rounds are only running a little over 800 fps. And, quite frankly, I am not worried about leading--it is easily removed with a Choreboy copper patch and Shooter's Choice.
I've now also shot several hundred (or more) reloads using the Speer 158LSWC-HP built up in reloads, in both 38 and 357 cases, and running at three different performance levels--800+fps, 900 fps, and 1000 fps.
Once one sorts through the usual reloading issues to deal with leading, there is no problem here, either. Even with the Speer swaged bullets--their BHN is only about 4--, if you get the right powder for the given performance level, the pressure is great enough for the bullet to obdurate properly and seal up, even in the 2" barrels.
I wish the mfrs would make a 357-158LSWC-HP load that would run about 900 fps. Having that round would give us the factory cartridge comfort, and it is about as big a round as I like to fire in a (357) lightweight j-frame.
IIRC, the Buffalo Bore 20A (158LSWC-HP at 1000 fps) is what they call a "heavy" 38+P load--my guess is that it does run about 24,000 psi or so. Based on some experimenting a couple of us are doing, it does look like you can get a 158LSWC-HP running pretty reliably at 850+ fps--but at pressure levels at CIP standards for 38 Special (psi <= 21,750)
I also have some Hornady reloads built, but probably won't get them over the chrono until next season.
So, in sum--don't worry about leading with the LSWC-HP loads. The Rem factory rounds are about .60 ea now; reloads can be built for about .12 or .13 ea--and that includes a case life amortization for new (Starline) cases.
Learn to reload, practice a lot, and carry factory ammo.
Jim H.