Lead being too hard can also be a culprit of barrel leading (lead bullets need to slug up to fill the bore). I would slug the bore first then find lead bullets (if you choose that route) .001-.002 over. With 38spl loads, soft lead should do fine since the low speed and pressure.

good info, thanks jr45

Also, being at only around 15oz, you may find it difficult obtaining light recoiling rounds. I have ran into the same problem with my recoil sensitive wife. She likes the light weight but did not undserstand this meant more felt recoil. Now she will only shoot the ruger LCR in .22lr.

Note: I will not fire lead rounds through my 642 anymore. No matter the diameter, hardness, or speed, the leading is bad. The rifling in mine is strange...almost looks like a bizarre poly type rifling.

jr45, I was afraid of that very thing, the leading, not something I am interested in dealing with. I am going to let her try the 6.5 grains of HS-6 with the 124gr JHP and see how that goes first, as I have the 642 also. Then if that is too much I will try the bullseye 3.0 with a 148gr HBWC and see what happens, appreciate the feedback, anymore is welcome

You could try plated bullets or DEWC's? However, at the low end I'd imagine they are more likely to stick in a barrel than soft lead is.

Yeah, I had another member say the same thing, appreciate the conformation.

going to weird out some folks,but from a gunsmith perspective,leading is a quick clean:

Get a brass cleaning rod an a oversized(.40 for a .38)BRONZE bristle brush,epoxy same into rod.
Cut the cleaning rod off to about 5" for a snub revolver.
Chuck up on a revesable hand drill,insert into muzzle,and run back and forth at around 200 rpm.Reverse and repeat a few times.

YES,this is how we removed lead in the shop in damned near EVERY firearm that came thru.The bronze brush DOES NOT DAMAGE THE RIFLING.

Do wear a mask as some barrels take on more lead than others.Have even used this method on the line between events at matches using a cordless drill.

Put a cork in one end of the barrel. Add a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and peroxide. The lead will float to the top and you don't have to scrub. This is the best method for removing 100 percent of the lead I have ever used.