For target shooting and informal plinking I'll use hand loads of 158 grain RNL .38 Specials - cheap, accurate and does not lead up barrel. For defensive work INSIDE A HOUSE I like the Buffalo Bore .38 Special +P 158 grain (heavy) LSWCHP-GC, and for field use (protection against Bears let's say), I'll use the 180 grain Buffalo Bore hard cast .357 Magnums.

My personal feeling is that in a residential setting with homes close to one another a .357 would be too much of a liability. In my home my .38 Special is only a back-up to my Remington 870 12 gauge anyway.

Chief38