My all around suggestion for the average shooter is 158gr lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. It is close to the old FBI/Dallas/Chicago load and has a good balance between expansion and penetration. I have been using the new G2 Research Telos 105gr +p hollow point lately. It has up to a 3in fragmentation area and tops out just shy of 12in penetration. It does quite nadty work, but be ready for some snap. The 642 was made for 158gr bullets.