I've only used hardcasts in the 180+-grain category. They're not unpleasant to shoot from a K-frame, in my opinion. I run my 180s at 1230 fps from my 3" 65 (max charge of Blue Dot from Alliant's site, standard primer). This is what I carry up Bear Canyon behind the house. I wouldn't use them in town or at home (you're not alone in those overpenetration concerns).

Frankly, I think a good hardcast 158-grainer is likely to do you just as well if you're not thinking black bears. Whatever floats your boat. I enjoy shooting the 180s, though, and handloading makes them price about the same as the handloaded middleweights. You know, you might look at the wide, flat-nosed 190-grainer that Jessie makes over at Tennessee Valley Bullets. I've shot some of them (sorry, I can't post the pix from here at work) and probably should get some more to play with.

pps' point about being aware of the heavier bullets' higher POI is important.

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