Never hand loaded for .357 but I have the same pistol with 6" barrel. I used to shoot NRA silhouette matches and rock chucks with it. The best factory loads were .38 special +p's with 125 grain bullets. If you can match those velocities with that grain of bullet in either .357 or .38 special brass, I think youl be set. Sounds like Chrome/22's info will get you dialed in sooner.

I cant stand shooting the big loads for that pistol either. Kicks like a mule, powder blows back in your face, and cant hit sh!t with em' at a distance.