Always a subjective topic.
I'm no ballistics guru so I tend to believe those who say the .357 is more lethal. Bears are only reason I pack .357s in my 640 Pro or M&P 340. If I'm ever in a "deal" with a bear I hope the loud report and muzzle blast will be enough to defuse the "deal." (Caveat: if I'm not in bear country I pack a Baby Chiefs with 158gr rnl.)
I load up with Barnes 140gr. lead-free HPs because out of the seven types of ammo I've tried in it those are the ones I shoot best. I tried plain-Jane .38s, .38 +P, and short barrel .357s. I'm on target (POA = POI) and have no trouble with rapid fire with the Barnes .357s.
Could I teach myself to be as accurate with the other ammo? Probably, but the Barnes takes the "try" out of the equation. Practice, practice, practice = confidence and comfort.
I cannot end my opinion piece, here, without touting the Karl Nill Centennial grips as the best part of either package. Feels like K-frames with these.
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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob
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