Amazing how OP can ask a simple, straight forward question and the thread gets hi-jacked to a dissertation on the benefits of specific types of ammunition! Unbelievable, but typical. Why can't anyone simply answer the question?

aterry,

just in case you see this post, erich is absolutely correct. .357 Magnum will always beat .38 +P in any barrel length. Here is an example in barrels approximately 2":

1) Federal and Winchester FBI Load, .38 LSWCHP +P. Chronographed at 821 FPS from 2 different 2" M&P revolvers.

2) A full power .357 Magnum handload. 15.2 Gr/2400, 158 Gr. LSWCGC. Chronographed at 1157 FPS from 2 1/8" 640-1.

3) A full power .357 Magnum handload. 15.3 Gr/2400, 158 Gr. XTP-HP. Chronographed at 1067 FPS from 2 1/8" 640-1.

Do not believe anyone who says a .38+P and .357 Magnum are virtually the same from a short barrel.

If I had a 3" .357 I would have given you that comparison too, but I don't.