Loading Question for the Brain Trust

First topic message reminder :

My goal is to load the absolute softest possible, reasonably accurate ammunition possible.  I bruise like a banana and cut like tissue paper, so I prioritize soft ammo. 

I have reliability issues with the below setup and load.  

SARO
RRA heavy combo rib
Sig Romeo 5
19# MS, 10# RS

Zero 185gr LSWC
3.8gr Clays
WLP
0.922” to shoulder, 0.466-67” crimp

I had a near 50% ejection failure rate with a 12# recoil spring.  10# RS brought the failure rate down significantly, but I am still having some issues with
- empty cases returning to the chamber (slide not cycling completely)
- weak ejection issues like stovepipes
- failure to lock back on some of my mags

The extractor is in good shape and properly tensioned, and the gun with 12# RS was 100% reliable with a jacketed 185/4.2gr Clays load. Unfortunately, the jacketed loads bruised my hand over the course of a long day.   

I can add more powder or I can go to a swaged 200 LSWC.  I don’t want to go any lighter on the RS or MS.  For those of you that have developed powderpuff short line loads—what’s been your better compromise for reduced recoil?  Lighter bullet moving slightly faster, or a heavier and longer bullet over the same light powder load?

Edit to add: I am interested in sticking with Clays because of how well it meters for me and how clean it burns.  Interested in what the strategic consensus on reliable low-recoil loading is—light lead bullet with a more powder, or heavier lead bullet (with less case capacity) over less powder?

Is Clays temperature sensitive? Are you shooting in a cold environment?

BE Mike wrote:Is Clays temperature sensitive? Are you shooting in a cold environment?

Not too cold here. The extreme in-season temp range for NC outdoors matches (March to October) is 45-to-95.  Most match days will be in the 65-85 degree range.  

I haven’t noticed Clays feeling soft in the cold or harsher in the summer.  Seems pretty stable.  W231 is a bit more finicky with temps.  But, I’m glad I relented and tested the W231.  The 185s shoot much better with that powder.