I have been shooting 158 gr FMJ in my 642, but today had a box of WWB 130 gr ammunition. Accuracy seemed to improve and it's not as hard on the hands. Is this a reasonable cartridge for CC?

I carry Federal lead semi wadcutter hollowpoint +P 158 Grn. in mine. That is the classic snubby load. It kicks a bit, but has a pretty good record for stopping power.

Shot placement is much, MUCH more important than bullet type, but if I were looking for a very soft-shooting round for an airweight, I'd go with wadcutters.

130gr FMJ is the old USAF load, and it basically sucks as a defense bullet.
The 135gr Speer short barrel HP .38+P is still reasonable to shoot and has a far superior bullet.

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Science plus Art

I would NEVER carry FMJs for self-defense in any situation not covered by the Hague Conventions.

I'll defend a good shoot all day, every day and twice on Sundays. In Ohio, I have immunity from suit for a good shoot. There's NO defending getting a through and through and wounding or killing an innocent third party. There's no civil immunity. You may not be prosecuted, but you WILL be sued. And you will LOSE.

There's NO reason not to take a reasonable effort to avoid harm to innocent third parties.

Same here.

Likewise. I used to be able to get the Federal "FBI" load from Cathy Gilronen at the Berea, OH gunshow for ridiculously low prices. I'd heard that Federal had stopped making it. I bought enough for all of my .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers.

I use W-W standard velocity Silvertips.

Some better alternatives would be...

Winchester 110gr Silvertip HP
Remington 110gr SJHP
Hornady 110gr Critical Defense FTX HP
Federal 110gr Hydra-Shok HP
Federal 148gr Gold Match wadcutter

All are standard pressure loads and are as easy or easier to shoot than the 130gr FMJ and would be much better for CC.

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Centennial Every Day

The 642 can kick like a mule with stout loads. Try getting grips that cover the backstrap. This will help tame recoil. I use the old Uncle Mike's Combat Grips on mine. For carry ammunition it gets fead Buffalo Bore Std. Pressure 158gr. LSWHP's.

I did get the Hogue Monogrip and that does tame it some.

Excellent point. I hadn't thought of that.

I do have a small box of Winchester 130 gr. SXT +P. Would that be an acceptable choice? How about Cor-Bon 124 gr JHP for my .357?

Another fan of the Gold Dot "short barrel" round.

As stated above, I would avoid the non expanding stuff for CC. The 135 gr. Gold Dot is a very good choice; likewise, the Winchester and CB loads mentioned above. I have used CB 110 Gr. +p, Golden Sabre 125 gr. +p and others. My next purchase will be CB DPX.

If you can shoot the +P well, then go for it. I would recommend the Gold Dot 135gr +P just because it has been used on the street and worked well.

Can't help you with the .357 as I don't shoot .357 J's.

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Centennial Every Day

No it is not. FMJ is never a choice for defensive use IMHO. I use THIS in all of my Airweight® guns. If recoil is still a problem THIS LOAD may be a viable option for you.

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David
CW3 USA (Ret) 1968-1990

The .357 is a Colt Magnum Carry. I should have said.

Add me to this list...135gr Speer GDJHP "short barrel"

What he said. I keep the Speer snubby load in my 642s, and in most of my other snubbies. I do keep Safe-Stop ammo in my 342s, but it is no longer made.