A good "pocket carry" .357 would be the LCR and it's in your price bracket. Very smooth rounded corners. While I don't have one, I have shot my friend's. I think if I were to purchase another .357, I would get it. Still shoot my Model 19 and it's one of my HD guns, though I rarely carry it.
You can get a lot of gun from Taurus for that kind of cash. They have a wide array of styles to fit your needs/wants. And they're affordable. I've been very pleased with my Taurus .357 and it's been around for a load of years. They've only gotten better.
if you aren't looking for new, the used market will really open up your options in that price range. just make sure you get a good used one. something to look for is the rod that you use to remove the rounds will sometimes get bent from people slamming the weapon back together all hollywood style
Ruger SP101. Too heavy for pocket carry, but in a holster you almost forget it's there.
Interestingly... on the topic of the LCR... A buddy of mine just got a S&W Bodyguard. I held it up to my SP101, and the cylinder is long enough for .357... just a touch longer than the cylinder in the SP101 in fact. A hint of things to come?
I love my GP100 but it's not going to fit in your pocket! I don't have any experience carrying a .357 in my pocket but the suggestions already given are sound.
I wouldnt mind something I could fit in a IWB holster or a slimline holster. Since fall is approaching, I wouldnt mind something I could CC with under a jacket.
For a compact .357 I like my SP101. Another one I like a lot is a Dan Wesson, I picked up a used one on Gunbroker for $300 with an 8' barrel. I later picked up 4" and 6" barrels for it, and they also make 2" and 10" barrels, you can even get a 15" from EGW if you were so inclined. Dan Wessons have a well deserved reputation for accuracy, I have a .44 mag that is easily the most accurate handgun I have ever shot.