Although I'm not new to firearms, I'm new to my S&W model 66 and the 357 magnum world. I've read in several places that for target shooting and plinking, 38 spl and 38+p are preferred over 357 rounds because of relative expense. The claim seems to be that buying 38 spl saves a bunch of cash.

Could someone point me to ammo supplier websites showing a significant disparity? Based on most of what I've been able to find so far the costs seem pretty similar. HSM, as just one example, lists a box of 50, 125 gr plated HP 38 spl rounds at $20.62. 125 gr plated HP 357 rounds list for $21.32 per 50 rounds. After I've bought 1000 rounds of 38 spl I've saved $14 over buying the same quantity of 357 rounds.

I'm guessing there are greater differences than I've been finding so far and really would appreciate help finding sources for those differences.

Thanks much!