If you're wanting to start out in 38 Special with something with the lowest recoil, 148 grain full wadcutter target ammuntion is what to look for. Another low recoil choice(and cheaper than you're likely to find 148 grain wadcutter) would be Winchester 130 grain FMJ(Winchester white box)--this is range/plinking ammo not a good choice for self defense. For self defense, I'd suggest Speer 135 grain +P Gold Dot Hollowpoint which was designed specifically for 38 Special snubbies . Another good choice for defense would be 158 grain +P lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoint(also known as FBI load and available from several manufacturers.)
If you want to give 357 Magnum a try, the Winchester 110 grain JHP(Winchester white box) is comparatively mild for 357 Magnum. Remington Golden Saber 125 grain is another for fairly mild 357 Magnum ammuntion.
That's fine PoorMuttly. I understood. Firearm use is definitely a subject that should be fully explained. You never know who might be reading the thread.
FreedomForce, I copied down your recommendations to take to the gun shop with me. I'll start with the mild .38 Specials and if I master them I'll move up to some mild .357 ammo.