Nothing wrong with carrying .38 Special instead of .357 Magnum. When I had a 3" 65 it was normally loaded with FBI loads, sometimes with Speer 135gr SB-GDHP +P .38 Special, and rarely with their mid-range .357 Magnum SB-GDHP. Not as much flash, blast, and recoil as full-power .357 Magnum loads, but still effective.

.357 Magnum will work, too, for those who simply must have it in their guns and are willing and able to deal with its downsides.

One area it's probably better to go magnum is if four-legged predators are a legitimate threat. But for general personal and home defense, a good .38 Special load is sufficient.

Just my opinion.