There is no argument about the 357 delivering more energy than a 38 +P in any barrel length. Anyone telling you otherwise is trying to convince themself of something that's untrue. The real question is wether or not you can control and accurately shoot the 357 versus the 38, if you can't then you should stick with the 38. Also the comparison to a rifle is moot. We are talking about handgun calibers, not rifle versus handgun. And let me ask the people who say there is no difference in handgun caliber, if you had to be shot in the butt with either a 22, 380 or a 357, 44 Magnum, which would you choose? I guarantee nobody is picking the magnums...