I'll admit a couple - - -
I shot a Model 340Sc the other day. I loaded it with two .38 Spl+P 125 JHPs and three full house Federal 125 .357 mags. I am used to shooting an S&W M37 and a Colt Agent, though I save the 158+P loads for occasional use. The 340 with the 125 .38s had a noticible
THUMP but was controlable enough. The mag loads were just
TOO FLIPPIN' MUCH for me, in this 12-ounce revolver. They hurt the web of my hand and REALLY stung the first knuckle of my trigger finger. (Slightly enlarged by arthritis.)
I have a custom Super Blackhawk Old Model. It is a wonderful piece, with heavy .44 Special and light-to-medium mag handloads. With the use of really full-bore magnum loads, though, that small trigger guard literally brings tears to my eyes and blood from the previously mentioned finger joint. I'm fine with a Ruger Redhawk or S&W, though.
I also had the chance to examine a .500 S&W briefly and shot it with (only) the CorBon 275 load. Piece of cake - - The enormous weight, the big Hogue stock, and the comp made it fairly pleasant to shoot. My 626-6 Mountain Gun with 276 LSWC bullets loaded fairly warm imposed a lot more felt recoil. (I took it along to this particular demonstration so I could do an in-tandem comparison.)
I don't mind some healthy recoil, but a masochist I am not.
Ian11, I look back and see you specify,
for defense use. Sorry, I was thinking of sporting use. I am comfortable with the alloy .38s with 158 LWSCHP+P and the compact LW .45 autos with 230 Gold Dot HP. I can handle a K-frame with full .357 JHP, but think it is needlessly penetrative for in-town use.
Best,
Johnny