[tango3065]

In a 357 whats harder on the gun 38+p or 357 loads?

[Jim March]

Depends :).

The very mildest 357 loads won't leave a "crud ring" ahead of the shells the way 38s will in the longer 357 cylinder bores. This "crud ring" left over from 38/38+P shooting can be a problem if not cleaned properly and 357s are then loaded and fired.

With that issue aside, 38+P will be easier on the gun than 357s. In the latter, gun wear will be worse with the hottest 110gr/125gr loads, second worst with the hottest "superheavies" up past 158gr, esp. when jacketed. All else being equal, unjacketed (hardcast or otherwise) will be easier on the gun than jacketed.

If you clean your gun properly and often, 38+P will be easier on it. If you don't, mild 357s *might* give you more life, unless the gun is among the weaker specimens of 357 ever made.