I sat down and tried to chamber a 38 S&W into three different 38 specials . A Colt Police Positive Special , S&W J Frame and S&W K frame and also a Ruger Blackhawk 357 magnum.
The 38 S&W would not chamber in any of them, the case is too large.
The 38 S&W ammo is factory Winchester 145 gr. lead RN, not reloads.

If your 38 special/357magnum will chamber 38 S&W something's wrong, check to see if the pistol was rechambered from 38 S&W.
Gary