Revolver Guy did a review of a 9mm wheelgun that seemed to be one answer. I'm going to read it again, to be sure I understood it properly. It seems to me if someone was needing a lesser recoil gun, that might be viable with the standard 115 gr. 9mm load.
Alternative to .38 Special Recoil
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magnum0710
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I can tell you from experience this is the way to go! I remember having some Fiocchi 38 wadcutters that felt like shooting a 22, that was out of a 357 but I'm sure it'd make shooting a light weight 38 much more pleasant. I have light handload with a 158 grain SWC, very fun to shoot but not nearly as fun as light loaded wadcutters. They work great for defense too, good all in one load for the 38.
I train extensively with both. .32 Mag and .38 Special. .32 is like .22 LR combined with reliability. It's a really good cartridge if a fella decides that he is a good enough shot to let go of the traditional and effective calibers.
Can you cite an instance where someone got into any legal trouble from carrying handloads?
Triggernosis
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Maybe not - but accurate follow-up shots are still an issue.
Autonomous
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I suspect this is an urban legend birthed by a gunwriter with a deadline.
Invictus357
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If 38s are starting to bother you, then I would go down to a 22LR (not kidding). It is far, far better than nothing.
A Ruger LCR 22 holds 8 rounds.
A Ruger LCR 22 holds 8 rounds.
I am not aware of a single case EVER where, in an otherwise legally justified self-defense shooting, someone has been charged for carrying hand loaded ammo.
TaxPhd
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Ayoob has been vocal about this for years, but for a primary reason that’s different from that imagined by many of the naysayers. Here’s a link (the embedded GlockTalk link is dead, but the TFL link still works):
THE PROBLEM WITH HANDLOADS FOR DEFENSE
THE PROBLEM WITH HANDLOADS FOR DEFENSE
TaxPhd
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I have an SP101 3” in .327 Federal, and regularly carry a 642. It’s not an apples to apples comparison, as the Ruger is steel, and is larger than the 642. In short, the Ruger with “normal” loads in 32 H&R is a pussycat compared to the 642. Recoil and muzzle blast are both non-issues. In higher velocity “magnum” loadings, recoil and blast will of course increase, but it’s not unpleasant. Full house .327 Federal are a different story, but I bought this gun for my wife, and just don’t use the .327 loads. Blast and recoil are intimidating for her.
In short, I like the Ruger, using H&R loads, and recoil wise, it is a meaningful reduction compared to my 642.
TaxPhd
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For me, .38 spcl in an alloy J frame (642) is not even remotely similar to 22LR recoil. But I’m not very manly. . .
SWFan27
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I only own 4 inch revolvers. 38's don't really kick in those.
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And you can reduce recoil still more with 32 S&W Long which are very accurate in my LCRx and still meet the FBI penetration standard consistently.
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TaxPhd
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The versatility of a .327 chambered revolver is great. Run anything from mouse fart .32 S&W to screaming .327 Federals. There’s something for everyone.
One other thing I like about my SP101 (and the Smith ultra carry) is that they're six rounds in a nominally J frame sized gun.
Grayfox
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I've told the story many times here about the arthritis in my wife's hands. Her cure was a 2" Model 30 in .32Long. She could shoot it very well and it didn't bother her hands at all. Ain't no powerhouse. But if you do your part, it'll get the job done. 
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