I must be doing some thing wrong? I load 38 sp and 357 mag with the same bullet. As far as I know the 38 S&W uses a .36 bullet but the 357 and 38 sp use the same 357 bullet (loaded to different levels) but the same bullet. Just like a 22LR the 38 SP (with the right bullet) is way better than a lot of people give it credit for.
Yes the 357, 41 and 44 magnums are more powerful than a 38sp but the 38 sp is easier to to shoot well for most people. If you are in big bare country the 44 mag may be lacking in power. Personally I could live the rest of my life with just a 22LR and a 38SP or 45 Colt. Having owned and shot magnum hand guns and some in rifle calibers, if I need more than a 38 or 45 then the 12ga comes into play.
