.38/.357 load for 3" revolver

[1986s4]

Doc,
I quote from one of the stickies:

"Currently, the Speer Gold Dot 135 gr +P JHP, Winchester 130 gr bonded +P JHP (RA38B), and Barnes 110 gr XPB all copper JHP (for ex. in the Corbon DPX loading) offer the most reliable expansion we have seen from a .38 sp 2” BUG; Hornady 110 gr standard pressure and +P Critical Defense loads also offer good performance out of 2" barrel revolvers."

Sir, are these loads still the best for a 3" barrel? I can use .357 also. I currently have Rem 158gr JHPs in .357mag. These are real heaters but not unusable in my K frame Smith.
Thanks,
1986s4

[DocGKR]

3" starts to allow additional loads, including .357 Mag. Keep in mind that K-frames tend to get beat-up with a steady diet of Magnum loads.

In addition, when deciding between a .38 Sp or .357 Mag load, carefully assess what your service handgun caliber needs are, based on potential engagement scenarios, as well as objective measurements of skill including scores and times. If you cannot shoot .357 Mag as quickly and accurately as .38 Sp, then it is NOT a good choice for you. If your times and accuracy are equal, then .357 Mag might make sense--loads using the Barnes all copper XPB bullets work well, as do the Speer Gold Dot, Win 180 gr Partition Gold, and Win 145 gr Silvertip.

[1986s4]

I know from use the .357 is harsh and I believe I would be better served with a .38 load. My accuracy is equal, based on shooting both side by side at the range but times are another matter. Thanks for your time.
1986s4