I found a neat site that helps address this.
Ballistics by the inch
On this site they compare velocities of different calibers and loads from multiple barrel lengths. If you look at 9mm and 357 from a short barrel the velocity is about equal, but 357 is much faster from longer barrels as powder is not burned up in short barrels, resulting in lots of flash and muzzle blast. 357 and 9mm are close from a snubby, but 38 special is somewhat lower in velocity, and thus energy. That being said 38 special is a very effective cartridge, when loaded with newer bullet styles, and powders.