Maybe so with a round nose bullet. Try shooting something. I have shot a lot of trapped hogs, some with .357. The .357 is definitely more impressive than the .38 special in any iteration. I've shot 'em with 3" .357 and 3" .38 with the same 140 JHP, 1400 fps in the .357, 1000 fps in the .38.....apples and apples. No question in MY mind which is better. I've seen both in action.
I've killed hogs in hunting situations with the .357, deer, too, and this with a 165 Keith style SWC. I'd never pick the .38 special as a hunting round.
The .357 has other problems for self defense, but I shoot it well. If you can't shoot the .357, if you're scared of it, you're better off with the .38. I do carry the .38 and think it's plenty for defense even in a 2" pocket gun, just know that the .357 ballistically is in another league.