If recoil isn't an issue, then the 135gr Gold Dot is about the best load ever made for a snub, and it's made especially for snubs.

The 110gr Cor Bon DPX is also excellent, as is the +P Critical Defense.

In non +P (and yes, +P is worth it) the Critical Defense and standard target wadcutters work well.

I have never understood the almost cult following with the Nyclad loading, it was always a poor performer.

I have taken several courses with John Farnam and he is a big fan of the Corbon JHP DPX provided you can ensure that it leaves your gun at better than 1000fps (less then that it will not expand when shot through denim as the results in the link http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defense_Ammo_FAQ/DocGKRData/38spl_HorndayFTX_S... clearly show)

I am also rereading Massad Ayoob's "Gun Digest book of Combat Handgun" and he recommends "the old FBI load" for 38 special. This caught my eye because it is the ONLY unjacketed bullet he recommends.  The bullet is all lead semi-wad cutter +P 158grain.

BTW next weekend I am taking two snub-nose revolver classes with Michael de Bethencourt 

http://www.snubtraining.com/courses.html

The class on snubbies was great, he gives an excellent class. If you look on his website you will see an endorsement by Bruce Eimer.  He will travel to give this course so if you wish to have him come to your town just contact him, on his schedule already is a weekend trip to Hawaii so you are probably an easier trip then that one is.


HE also recomends the unjacketed semi-wadcutters as defense ammo for a snubbie.