.38spl non +P self defense

[woodsie57]

It's actually has pretty good penetration even at 650-700fps.
My parents are getting up there in years and I load them up some that to me feel like a 22lr.
Mom shoots it well so does dad. I'd rather see them put 5rds into a bad guy than miss because of recoil they can't handle anymore. Plus a 38 special is much more reliable than 22lr ammunition. I load them up in nickel plated brass for corrosion resistance. I do their cleaning and lube every six months or as needed.

Have you ever loaded 38 Special with black powder or a substitute?

I did load some 158 gr. SWCs with pyrodex RS once, just for fun. It worked, nice smoke and smell,etc. No idea what the velocity was, but accuracy seemed fine.