On the rare occasions my bride carries, she carries a S&W model 36, nickle, loaded with 148 grain wadcutters. She shoots it well, but has rather weak hands.
I carry a model 60 with the Speer Gold Dot 135 grain + P and feel confident with it. I always carry with 2 speedloaders, also (Safariland.)
Semper fi,
Dave Swaffield