Another way to load the old 38 S&W is to use the 148 gr hollow based wad cutter bullet. seat it into the case to the same depth as the base of a bullet on a factory round.
You can't seat it flush with the case mouth because there would be no room for powder ( or very little). The idea is to have the same case capacity , for the powder, with the remainder of the HBWC poking out the case mouth. Make sure they will chamber in your gun . Work up a load ( Lyman handbooks have them among others ) A light crimp will be all thats needed. When fired the hollow base fills the throat and barrel and should be accurate.
Gary