-> I have a 1983 S&W stainless steel model 60 revolver.  The owners
-> manual has a warning about +P+ shells.  Does this mean that I can
-> use regular +P shells?
The general rule of thumb is:  Plus P's are ok in modern steel framed
guns, NOT a real good idea in aluminum framed guns.  Also not a good
idea in the OLDER steel guns, say pre-war.
-> What would be a good commercial round for this gun?
The 158 grain lead HPSW (Hollow Point Semi-Wadcutter) +P, also known
variously as the "Chicago Load" or the "FBI Load"  has a first rate
reputation for effectiveness.
Any of the 125 grain Hollow Point +P's are good loads, much better than
the regular, non +P 38's.
Among the regular, non +P 38's, Federal's NYCLAD stands out as one of
the best.  This is a soft lead hollowpoint coated with nylon to keep it
from fouling the bore.  It seems to expand reliably even when fired from
a short barrel, something not all the regular 38 bullets will do.
I'm not a big fan of exotic bullets like the Glasser, but as a purely
anti-personel round, for close range defense, it makes a lot of sense in
a 38 snub.
A couple of points to bear in mind:
The fixed sights on a snub 38 are usually factory designed for 158 grain
loads, most others will not shoot to the same point.
+P loads are gonna recoil a fair bit more than regular 38's.  You're
gonna want to replace the stock wood stocks with something like
Pachmayers.
Regards
John
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