I carried a 642 for many, many years. Retired it for a SP101. After I got the LCR .357, I retired the SP101. I tried to not like the LCR as much as the SPand 642, but it outperforms them both so bad that I can't help but love it ! Pretty, it ain't, but it shoots like a dream! Kinda like a Glock...
Model 66 4". 1983. I was 18 years + 1 day old. I had to have a letter from the Sheriff because I wasn't 21. It was my first duty weapon. Carried it for years. Still have it, still carry it at times, still shoot it a lot, still love it!
4" 66 should work well.....oh that's right, it did work well. Carried one for years as a young deputy in the early 80's. Didn't feel under-gunned then, wouldn't feel under-gunned with it today!
Get a starter kit, some powder primers, bullets,and cases (if you haven't been saving them), some dies, and get started. It ain't rocket science! Good luck, handloading is a hobby unto itself!
I was a .38 J frame man for 20 years, still like them a lot, but I switched about 10 years ago to SP101 because I wanted a magnum. Then, about 3 years ago I got the .357 LCR and fell in love. The LCR out performs my J frames and my beloved SP. I tried to make the SP outshine it for months, but...
As a LEO my go to guns are my Glock 27 and 23, and my LCR .357. After I return to civilian life, after retirement in a few short years I will likely mostly go back to my 1911, 4" 66, and LCR.
Reason why? I like them better, I shoot them better, and I will be more in the defensive mode than...