I think in single shots the 357 max has a chance. in revolver or repeaters there is not much functional potential difference between the 38sp, 357 mag, and 357max.

But if the 357 max is chambered with a 0.380" fluted reamer [or at least the addition to the 357 mag chamber], it can gain accuracy and brass life, instead of a sloppy SAAMI reamer.

Also if the throat is cut with a throater, the OAL can be very long, allowing slower powders and a boat tail bullet.

The 357 mag started out at higher pressure, but as thinner wall revolvers were sold, the brass got sticky. This was explained by John Bercovitz in 1993. He has a masters degree in mechanical engineering and was working at the jet propulsion lab at the time.
Google has preserved that:

https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups=#!msg/rec.guns/S_dalM1NJe0/cBSU4bR2jz8J

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