Many use this when referring to the single action revovlers that don't have any type of transfer bar system. Those models without this feature could be fired if the hammer was stuck and inturn had the firing fin strike the primer in the cylinder. Most modern SA's don't need this "load 1 skip 1 load 4" techinque.
What's best for personal defense is entirely personal and subjective. Use what YOU feel most comfortable with and can shoot best. Of course in the case of .357 v .38 Special. The later is very useable in the .357 mag chambered firearms so you can shoot both from the one firearm.