Thanks for all your replies. I've read about wadcutters and their use in J-Frames but I wasn't totally convinced that was the only answer to my problem. However, I will strongly consider carrying wadcutters in my 642 Airweight now. I will still carry the Winchester 130gr. "Train and Defend" in speedloaders or speedstrips regardless though for easy reloads. If they expand like they do in gel, that's great, if not, then they will behave similar to an FMJ, still not a bad deal.
I also understand the odds of needing a reload as a private citizen are unlikely but I don't like to play "numbers games" with my life or the lives of those I care about so I carry and practice reloads.
The problem with wadcutters though is they are hard to come by. I never see them stocked at any LGS in my area. I know I can always order them but I prefer to pay cash for such things whenever possible.
What do you think of the Winchester 148gr. "Super-X Match" WC? It had an average expansion of almost 16" in gel tests and a median velocity of 710fps out of a 2" barrel.
http://www.luckygunner.com/38spl-win...-wc-50#geltest
Any better recommendations would be appreciated.