Does anybody have experience with .38 Super Automatic?

I've been shooting 1911's since I was 8 but always in .45 or .22 (conversion). I recently shot my friends Para chambered in 9mm and decided I wanted a carry gun, in a 1911 platform in a smaller caliber (more rounds, less recoil). I came across a Taurus in .38 Super, been hearing good things about Taurus' 1911's, it was the right price, so I purchased it (it'll be here Saturday). My question is, do you/have you ever owned a .38 Super? From what I've heard the recoil is a bit more than 9mm but the rounds in heavier weights perform better than standard pressure 9mm rounds (but that 9mm +P is almost identical). Also does anyone know of any good defensive loads for .38 Super (besides Corbon's Pow'r Ball and their jacketed hollow points)?