The easy answer is the one you shoot the best under stress, but if the guns are identical, I'd go with the bigger bullet. I own a 40, but I'd reach for the 357 first, because I shoot it better. It's where you hit them that matters most, and no, I don't feel handicapped with only six. Unless, of course, there are seven of them. Then firepower takes precedence! But the first six are gonna see the 38, anybody who wants to stick around after that will hear the 40 barking. If the problem still isn't solved, I'm probably screwed anyway. :shock:
Papajohn