In any of my 4" Smith K-Frames, I carry Federal 125gr jhp .357 ammo.
In my Ruger SP-101 with the 3" pipe....I carry the same Federal round as above.
I am first to admit, I don't like to shoot full-power magnum loads in ANY of my ultra light magnum snubbies. I am past the point in my life where my ego is bruised by tactical teddies who MUST absolutely carry elephant loads in their pistols. I bet I practice a whole lot more with my .38Spl +P 110gr jhp's.
Like I always say to the 'teddies who decry the 9mm or .38spl..."How many rounds are you willing to be shot with to prove how ineffective my ammo is?"
The ammo we have today in .38, .357, 9mm, .40, .45 are all good stoppers, provided we use GOOD ammo from GOOD manufacturers AND of course one puts the round where the round needs to go.
Hell, I don't want to be shot with a pellet gun for pete's sake.