Several points:
Because we're talking about revolvers versus slideguns, there's no need to run hundreds of whatever ammo type through a particular gun for "reliability testing". That's a semi-auto thing. Hence revolver people can at least contemplate expensive $3-per-round ammo - you only need to shoot enough so you know where they go, how accurate they are. As few as 12 will do that.
The reason .38Spl will work better has a lot to do with how popular they are, therefore the ammo makers were motivated to do more development and offer a broader range.
Tyro, if you CAN handle a .38, even at standard pressure, five of those will be worth a lot more than six .32Mags.
I must strongly recommend that you try a steel-frame S&W or Taurus snubbie revolver loaded with target wadcutters. If you can handle that recoil, then you can handle .38 standard-pressure combat loads in the slightly heavier Ruger SP101 .357, which is another gun you should check out. It's a bit heavier, and hence recoil is slightly less.
If you can take standard-pressure .38, then the Federal 125 Nyclad is a far more trustworthy round than any .32Mag other than that now-defunct Cor-Bon load, which really had some promise.
If you CANNOT shoot .38spl from even a heavy snub like the SP101, then if I were in your shoes, I'd seriously consider the Taurus 8-shot .22Mag on a frame similar to the S&W J-frame, in a 4" barrel. Concealment would still be OK, and a good 30grain JHP doing 1,400fps WILL get some fool's attention, recoil will be minimal and hey, you got EIGHT of 'em
. With very little recoil, you can practice the "quad tap" - dump four into your first target, and if something else pops up or the Goblin isn't down, repeat
.
Carry just one load: the CCI MaxiMag +V TNT .22Magnum. Fortunately it's pretty easy to get. Runs about $7 for 50. Other .22Mags are widely available, some with less recoil, fine for practice but carry +V TNTs.
Give it a trigger job and some good wooden boot grips, and you're a far cry from "unarmed".
http://www.taurususa.com/m941.html - I'd do the 4" tube, myself.
What else...Tyro, one thing I'm not clear on, I know you have a hard time with recoil but...can you hold a bigger gun? If so, one way to eliminate recoil is to shoot a modest round out of a BIG gun. Fr'instance, the Taurus 608
. It's a big ol' 8-shot .357...shortest barrel length listed is 4". There are speedloaders available for it, and with .38Spls at standard pressure, recoil will be close to undetectable. Dunno how big your hands are, or if you can hold up the weight at all.
http://www.taurususa.com/m608.html