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After several months, my local Mom & Pop gunshop finally found me an S&W Model 60 snubbie.

On those occasions when I happen to choose it as my carry piece, I intended to stoke it with +P JHP's.

Then I got to thinking...(ouch...) with only an inch and a half of barrel to work with, will +P even affect muzzle velocity?

Is your M60 +P rated? Seems that earlier models may not be. If it is +P will work. My 442 shoots +P well and I assume the M60 will also. Short barrels will have lower MV's than longer barrels. Also, when I look at "book" +P loads versus normal loads, I didn't see that much difference in muzzle velocity. You do get a bit more muzzle energy. I'm not overly convinced that the +P .38 is that much more of a higher performance round than the standard .38. I think I'd rather shoot 17,000 psi rounds than the +P 20,000 psi rounds.

I bought a box of +P and carry them. Don't shoot many.

+P loads ore way over rated. In some case std ammo produces more velocity and lower pressures.

I use +p and the .357 mag in my 65-5 smith.....I like the speer short barrel loadings.....the +P is 880 fps /135gr bullet and the .357 mag is 990 with the same bullet.....IMHO this is a very good pair of cartidges ..I dont know what your 60 is rated as ..but if it will handle the .357 mag loading I can recommend it....its not really a mag loading and is easy to control....If your gun is .38+p rated than the .38+P version with serve you well....this loading has past the FBI test protical....and the velocitys listed are for a 1 7/8 or a 2'' barrel ....both rounds are very user freindly and perform well.....but be sure to get the short barrel version.....it is a different bullet than the standard gold dot......I load the gun with the +P's for the wife around the house and when I carry it the mags go in....I dont carry a wheel gun alot as I havent mastered a combat reload...but when I do these loads are carryed in complete confidence....m.odel 60's are sweet carry guns for sure.....I found my 65 in almost new condition....and with a set of nice grips and a good holster it makes for a nice body gaurd for sure .....

The 60 is a J-frame, .38spl only.

Surfing various gun sites, I find that opinions on the benefits of +P and their suitability for J frame guns are all over the map.

I think I'll buy one box of the self-defense +P ammo for short barrels for carry; both for the possibility of improved performance and for legal reasons, and shoot the heck out of it with my stash of .38 SPL SWC and WC loads.