Here is what I am looking for:
-357 magnum
-barrel under 3"
-regular hammer(not removed or bobbed)
-price of $250 doesnt necessarily reflect a new pistol...used for this price would be okay.
So far it looks like my best bet is Taurus....I'm liking the life-time warranty.
Any others for around this price that are decent.

A pre-Taurus-takeover Rossi snub nosed would get my vote.

Although realistically, a Taurus will be just as good.

AIM surplus has S&W model 66 police trade in's for $270.00 right now. Except they are 4 inch barrels. Otherwise, a used Taurus or Ruger would be the way to go.

You might find a used ruger sp101 for that price.

The S&W  Model 66 is a great gun, but won't stand up well to full house magnums.  

Go for a Taurus.  I have owned a few and they are great guns.

You may be able to find a SW 681 or 686 used. They're the L frame that was intended for continuous diets of full house magnum loads. Ruger GP100 is the same type of frame though the Security 6 series were no slouch in the strength department.

I just ordered a CHA 74420 BULLDOG MATTE SS   .44 SPCL with a 2" barrel for $279.  I get it next Tuesday.

$250 will be tough but not impossible.  I would caution against a 357 in a snubbie tho.  The barrel length is to short to get full benefit of the mag loads.  Lots of muzzle flash.  Lots of recoil.  I would certainly look at the 38 specials if I were you.

Taurus is good stuff.  You may find a used Smith or Ruger for that money but it will take some searching.  Can't touch a Colt fot that kind of money.  You may want to look at Charter.  I've never owned one but at least the earlier guns looked good.  Freind has a Rossi and after a trigger job its proven to be a decent gun.

If you're dead set on a 357, the Ruger SP 101 is the only thing I could really recommend.  A bit heavy for a snubbie but it will hold up.  I doubt you'll find one for $250 but  you may get lucky. You can get a J frame Smith in 357 but I can't see that as very, um, user friendly if you get my drift.

Well, it took some time but I found a nice reliable wheelgun for under $250.....It cost me $230 to be exact.  Was fired 16 times by the original owner, came with the box/all papers/holster and the unfilled registration card which I sent off to the post office this morning.
Planning on giving it a test run tomorrow. I purchased 100rds. of 38 Special/50rds. 38 +P/and 50rds. of 357 magnum. I will report later with range details about the 357 mag loads.

What model is that there Taurus and is it a 5 or 6 shot?  Be sure to shoot the piss out of it!

Quoted: What model is that there Taurus and is it a 5 or 6 shot?  Be sure to shoot the piss out of it!

Model 605B     ("B" for blued)
5 shot
.357 mag

I have a Taurus 606, which is identical, but uses a 6 shot cylinder instead of 5. I got it in a trade. The owner had never even fired it. I wasn't originally planning to keep it, but after shooting it, I fell in love with it. I couldn't believe how sweet the trigger was on that revolver after having dealt with the Taurus Model 85 in the past.

Quoted: I just ordered a CHA 74420 BULLDOG MATTE SS   .44 SPCL with a 2" barrel for $279.  I get it next Tuesday.

Me got one a couple years ago.  Great CCW machine and shoots
to my satisfaction.  Too bad they went bottoms up via bankrupcy.

Ed