Max pressure in a .38 special is only 22,000 psi (CIP max for European loads) or 20,000 PSI for +P US loads (SAAMI spec).
Max pressure in .357 mag is 35,000 PSI (give or take 1,500 psi it is the same max operating pressure as 9mmP and .38 super but with more powder capacity than either).
.357 mag will out run .38 spcl out of any barrel length, and with any bullet weight, it will also give significantly more flash and blast.
I'm not going to try it, but I'm reliably told that the blast is far more severe when the muzzle is pointing towards you. Apparently often enough to temporarily disorientate a sober person. I don't know the effect on a drink or drug crazed youth whos riding on an adrenaline high.