The key with the .357 is to avoid the lightest bullets and slowest powders. With a 160-170 gr cast over 7 gr of unique you drastically reduce the bark but at 1100+ fps it's still a very capable load.
I suppose the most valid criticism of the .357 is that factory ammo choices are lacking in some of the best combinations. But on the flip side that's why I like the .357 so much, with a bit of lead and a bit of powder it offers quite a bit.
