The biggest key here is the gun itself. I have 4 model 28 Smith and Wessons. Not one of them shoots and groups the same with the same ammo. The 357 will tend to group a little better and part of that is the difference in velocity. I handload a LOT. I have found that the load makes a difference as well. also the bullet type will. The best way to go, IMHO, is a 357 and use heavy 357 loads for hunting or personal protection and use 38spl in it to get proficent. That is the less expensive way to go. If you feel you just want to shoot a lot of 38 spl, get a 38 spl. The difference in the case legenth seems to make little difference in the results I see. I can load 38+p+ loads and getalmost as good a results as the 357 loads in a JHP or a JSP, but in a wadcutter, the accuracy goes down the tubes in the 357, as wellas a little in a 38spl, almost as if the travel from the case to the forcing come effects it. One of my 357's was not timed quite right when I got it. It shaved lead and was less accurate than my trowing the gun at the target. When I fixed that It was pretty darn good.