When I was buying, I just figured .44 Magnum would be the more versatile cartridge. (I hand-load my ammo) The .357 may be a bit flatter-shooting, but if you plan to shoot it much past 100 yards, you're better off wit ha 30-30 anyhow.
If you're buying new, see where it was made. If it was made in the old CT factory, avoid it. Mine was a "transition gun" which means the guys who made it knew their days were numbered, and it shows. They didn't chamfer anything they should have chamfered, and mine is a Jam-O-Matic. The breech face at the chamber was razor sharp, and it dug into each case as it is fed at a slight angle. Luckily, I bought the store's warranty. Their gunsmith worked on it once (chamfered some stuff) and it is loads better, but still not 100% reliable with reasonable ammo. (.44 Mag, 240 gr. flat or hollow point ammo) I HATE having to send guns back to the mfr.; it is real genuine hassle. Especially new guns.
Much preferred would be an older one that is known to be reliable.
...or, if you buy a new one, make sure it is from the NY factory, or be prepared to send it back.
That didn't take long, Buds sold out in 15 minutes!