Maybe they get so many successful defense numbers is because so many people are shot with .22s. You’re only taking about a 35 to 45 grain round here. That not much lead when it comes to a crazed attacker. You’re much better off with a .38 Special.
It’s not just raw numbers. A high proportion of those shot with a .22LR or .22 magnum are stopped, and a high proportion are killed. I credit shot placement (and indirectly familiarity with the weapon because practice is cheap). They aren’t stopped as quickly, and they aren’t killed anywhere near as quickly as with a 12 gauge slug or buckshot, but they are essentially as likely to eventually go down as with a 9mm or .45 ACP.
Never discount the .38 Special. Has been around forever, +P is especially effective if loaded properly. I don't own a .357 Mag. but it will give best of both worlds. Close or with some added range. Both are absolutely great rounds.