I hunt with 158 JSP 357 factory loads (I don't handload) and have had great success. I'd like to get my hands on some of the 180 grain factory loads for hunting but have not able to find them anywhere. I'll probably have to wait until I can get to Cabela's to get the 180's, and that's almost a 3 hour ride for me, so the I'll keep using the 158's until then. As far as 38's for PP, I use different standard non +p's (often FMJ's). I'm confident that they will provide sufficient protection, but I wouldn't go with anything less. If the first shot doesn't drop em I still have 4 more.