will the real 357 (cartridge) please stand up ?
face it folks, there is no ONE real 357 cartridge, there are dozens
you could say, any max SAAMI load for a given bullet weight is the "real" thing, but some folks on gun forums dispute even that
last time I looked, SAAMI doesn't even define 38+P
so would the "real" 38+P please stand up ?
and would the real 38sp load please stand up ?
which boutique sells the best-of-best ?
answer = whichever one you take on a date
if we were into golf, folks would be obsessed with which golf ball is best
if we were into fishing, folks would argue over which fly pattern is best for rising rainbows
nothing wrong with that, it's all part of having a serious interest in whatever you do
but we do tend to easily forget that there is no "best" cartridge or gun
"best" in hand gunning comes from matching up the combination in balance
your hand
your gun (frame, weight, length, grips, etc. etc.)
your cartridge
there is only "best-for-you" (and hits really do count more than misses)
me, I never could relate to folks who actually like hot 357 loads in airweight snubbies
but if it works for you, then I say "more power to you !"
(me, I don't even wear boutique jeans or tee shirts)
PS
nobody here has yet said the 38sp "hits harder and moves faster" than 38+P, nor that 38+P "hits harder and moves faster" than 357
those who have not yet fired a "real" 357 load out of a snubbie in real low light, indoors with no ears on, ought try that and see (?)
educational
(well, use at least some "light" ears, lest ye do yourself permanent harm)
might even oughta try that 1st with 22WMR, before taking the leap