I use the Speer 135 gr GD in my 642. It shoots very close to point of aim in that particular revolver and it shows no sign of bullet jump. In my steel frame Js and Ks, I use the Remington 158 gr LSWCHP. From what I am reading here, that puts me pretty much in the middle of the pack.
I carry RBCD Performance Plus, Golden Saber, Hornady Crital Defense, Hydra Shok and Corbon DPX. I like all of them. No need to get to technical with each type round because all will do what is expected. Bottom line is you must hit your target. If you can't hit what you aiming at, it doesn't matter what you load in the "J".
in my 66 i put 1 shot shell followed with 2 rounds of hand loaded hbwc loaded backwards over a good charge of 231 then 3 125 jhp over a hot load of 2400 this makes it 1 for snakes2 for rats 3for hardheads
hey y'all...a few changes so here's an update; unfortunately dad has a chronic ilnness and has moved in with my sister to be close to the grandkids; he gave me all his firearms and hunting equipment; his 642 is in better shape than mine (wasn't carried much or shot much); I also found a few boxes of Remington UMC 125gr sjhp .38 spl +p and they are more abundant than the Winchester WWB Personal Defense 125gr sjhp .38 spl +p in my area; I'm pretty much gonna keep his 642 for HD after a shooting session to get acclimated (his trigger is a wee bit stiffer than mine); with all that said...
his 642: Remington UMC sjhp 125gr .38 spl +p or Remington Express 158gr lswchp .38 spl +p
my 642: same for HD and CCW; when at hunting camp doing chores it will get Mastercast remanufactured 158gr lswc solids .38 spl (hardened for reduced fouling with sharp shoulders and a flat tip)
I'm gonna 'stash' the Winchester WWB Personal Defense 125gr sjhp and Winchester Silvertip 110gr jhp loads that I have left
I'm currently carrying the .357 mag Speer 135 grn GDHP in my 649 Bodyguard but the Remington Golden Sabre 125 grn also shot well. I recently ordered a few boxes of 158 grn LSWCHP in .38 special. Mr Ayoob is on record as favoring this load for his J frame. I do know that my old Model 28 shoots this load like a dream ... bang bang bang all day long.