I’m with you, maybe?

I’ve never been able to shoot the .357 well, too much muzzle blast and recoil. To big for light work and to small for heavy work? (ducking and running for cover)

You have many choices that I think are better and fit the bill you are looking for.

As others have mentioned, the 44 special is a pussy cat compared to the 357 in revolvers of the same weight. I however would be inclined to go .45 acp for the same reasons, and the ammo is cheaper than 44spc, and there is a much greater selection of 45 acp ammo. I’d rather have either a 44 spc or 45 acp for self defense than 38 spc or 357 mag. See my second paragraph.

If you want to go to an autoloader I find both the 45 acp and 40 S&W much easier to shoot than the 357 mag. I’d also rather have a high cap 9mm than a 38 spc.

You almost have too many choices, you’re certainly not stuck with the 38/357 choice, and you can get what you want with a mainstream cartridge. Sorry 327 Federal.

Emory