IMHO, as long as it's a pre-J, with the smaller frame, it makes sense to get it even in the "anemic" 38 S&W chambering specifically because of the smaller size. You have the smallest solid-frame 38 that S&W ever made, so enjoy it. As friend Hondo44 said, "... the cartridge is no slouch..." it was adjudged sufficient for military use by the Brits and others, and just like its more popular (in the US at least) brother the 38 Special, reloading is as easy as falling off a log once you have the right dies and components.

Froggie