hi joe,
ammo for the 38 is almost endless in types and velocities, check out this site or just google .38 ammo.
http://www.ableammo.com/catalog/default.php?
cPath=10480_14658_14743_14907_14747
as for the best round for home defence everybody has their opinion. personally i like corbon selfdefence 125 gr +p, you just need to make sure your pistol will handle +p ammo.
JMHO
Kim