I would personally get a gun that will handle either. My guess word be that the .357 group is bigger because you are trying to anticipate the "bang" and hence flinching. Just my assumption though. But being able to shoot both rounds is nice.

If you think a .357 is loud outside, try it inside with no muffs, also the muzzle blast on some types of ammo will blind you after the first shot. Agree that group size is probably a function of you rather than the round itself. Back in my other life when I had to carry a .357 I found that a stiff load of Unique behind an 158 gr semi-wadcutter lead bullet gave me the least muzzle flash, the issue ammo was S&W 125 JHP and was like a flash bulb going off in your face. That said, I would get the .357 over the .38 Special just for the ability to shoot both types of ammo.

WOW........what do your ears tell you? What were you using for ear protection, cue tips?

I bet that you're not wearing any ear protection. Or, if you are wearing some, it isn't very good.

Wear ear protection—the best that you can afford.

All it takes is one shot, to overload your ears. After that, you'll be constantly asking, "What? What did you say?" And music will be gone forever.

How do I know?
Well, it happened to me.
All it took was that one last shot...

I'm sorry, but some of this stuff amazes me

About a month ago I was in the same place you are now. I ended up purchasing a .357Mag over a .38 special and do not regret the purchase at all. It is my favorite range gun now.

I have the 686 .357 with 6 inch barrel. Too long a nose to daily carry but I would if I could. LOVE shooting this. Groups 6 @ 25 feet in a 6 inch circle. It shoots better than I do. Wish I had gotten 4 incher or snubby. I mean AND the snubby. Don’t think I'll sell the 6 inch either. It just feels good, holds steady on target, second and third shot target acquisition comes almost natural. Recoil feels almost nil or at least less than expected. IMHO the longer the barrel the more managable the recoil. A .357 is louder but not so much that I will avoid it. I practice most with .38 but shoot 10% .357 so it won’t surprise me. Have the 92FS which I still like for $ of ammo, but the 686 is my choice for fun. Good hearing protection is very important. Don't rely on a .45 in the ear like Gunny does on Mail Call.

Originally Posted by berettabone

I'm sorry, but some of this stuff amazes me

Hehe,glad it wasn't a 44mag or larger.

Use plugs and muffs if it's that bad on you,and don't think about hunting without quite expensive electronic muffs that amplify until they shut down.

If you don't plan on using 357s,get a good K frame 38.If you do plan to use them,the 686 is a great gun.The 4" has a real nice balance to me and will still work out past 25yds easily.You're going to have to practice with the 357s to get use to the extra recoil,the groups will shrink unless the recoil is just too much for you.Use the std 158gr loads to start,the 125s are hot.Don't go into the 180gr and up area,you won't like them at all until recoil doesn't bother you.

If you get a 'regular' 686 (6 shot cyl) you can get speedloaders and compete in many games like ppc, idpa, bullseye, silhouette and more.
With bunny loads (148wc/2.7bullseye) the 686 has less recoil than a 22LR an can do 1" groups at 25 yards all day long.

I've got a 686 snubby and its a great gun. Yeah, full house mag ammo has some kick to it, but the gun can take it all day long if you can. It's nice having the capabiliy if you want it - for hunting, self protection, etc yet you can shoot reg 38 or bunny loads and have a blast on the cheap and recoil isn't an issue.

I have the 686 and shoot it regularly with .38 specials. It is a very nice gun to shoot. I have the 4" barrel and if I were to purchase it again I would probably get the 6" version so I could hunt with it. I don't see any reason to shoot the magnum loads unless you are hunting.

Get the .357---- you will regret it if you don`t. And for Pete`s sake get some decent ear protection. I had my ear muffs around my neck about 6 months ago( forgot to put them on) and let off a .44 mag. out of a 4 5/8" barrel and my ears rang for months. The concussion was extreme to say the least. Had my ears checked and eardrums are ok but did some damage to inner ear. As was said , all it takes is one.

Sometimes, depending on your hearing, you may need to wear both your hearing muffs and also inside the ear protection. This would be best for any and all younger shooters. If you have kids around the range this should be almost a must! Protect their ears while you can. Me, earmuffs are just fine, but basically because my hearing is already trashed! Too many big bangs in my lifetime... tanks, high explosives, guns (most of them without ear protection as a youngster), also 35 years as a heavy truck and equipment mechanic hasn't helped either!

Keep your ears while ya got em... it would be nice to hear what my grandson has to say all the time!

from
FreeHearingTest.com - Gunfire Noise Levels

Table 3. CENTERFIRE PISTOL DATA
.25 ACP 155.0 dB
.32 LONG 152.4 dB
.32 ACP 153.5 dB
.380 157.7 dB
9mm 159.8 dB
.38 S&W 153.5 dB
.38 Spl 156.3 dB
.357 Magnum 164.3 dB
.41 Magnum 163.2 dB
.44 Spl 155.9 dB
.45 ACP 157.0 dB
.45 COLT 154.7 dB

Table 2. CENTERFIRE RIFLE DATA
.223, 55GR. Commercial load 18 _" barrel 155.5dB
.243 in 22" barrel 155.9dB
.30-30 in 20" barrel 156.0dB
7mm Magnum in 20" barrel 157.5dB
.308 in 24" barrel 156.2dB
.30-06 in 24" barrel 158.5dB
.30-06 in 18 _" barrel 163.2dB
.375 — 18" barrel with muzzle brake 170 dB

Table 1. SHOTGUN NOISE DATA (DECIBEL AVERAGES)
.410 Bore 28" barrel 150dB
26" barrel 150.25dB
18 _" barrel 156.30dB
20 Gauge 28" barrel 152.50dB
22" barrel 154.75dB
12 Gauge 28" barrel 151.50dB
26" barrel 156.10dB
18 _" barrel 161.50dB