From a power standpoint, the .38 Special is just a better performer than a .380 from a short barreled pocket gun; and quite a bit better. If I were carrying a .380, I would carry it either with FMJ�s or Buffalo Bore�s Lead Round Nose Flat Point load to ensure adequate penetration. In .38 Special, there are loads created specifically for the snubbies that provide adequate penetration even with an expanded bullet; hard to beat that.
I don�t care for .357 magnum out of a snub nosed revolver. Yes, it does have the power advantage, but recoil, muzzle flash, and noise are massively increased as the barrel is bobbed down. All of those things are liabilities in my book if you have to shoot more than once.
