I really didn't want tbis to be a "stoppkng.power" debate. Here are some numbers for your consideration:
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/handgun-stopping-power. The numbers given to justify caliber x or bullet y grossly overstate any action difference.
However, if I really perceive a significant difference between the 357 and 38 (and I don't) , fast and functionally accurate follow up shots at 5 paces shouldn't deter me from choosing the 357.