I have a Rossi 92 and a re-barreled 1904 Winchester 1892 both in 357
Magnum and shoot standard 38 special in both quite often. IMO there isn't any need at all for a "special" 38 special load and plated bullet loads typically run at 1100-1400 fps out of a 20 inch barrel depending on bullet weight. It's actually a lot of fun and great for breaking in new shooters because the recoil is nearly 22LR mild with a very soft muzzle report. BTW, the antique was re-barreled by a previous owner not myself. One distinct difference is the Rossi is much much smoother feeding 38 specials. The Winchester will feed them but you have to develop a "hitch" in the lever stroke to permit the cartridge lifter to "catch up". Another difference is the Winchester made barrel for the 1904 vintage rifle has a faster twist and as a result is very very accurate with 158 and 180 grain hunting loads. The Rossi has a slow enough twist that I need to load with 140 and 125 grain bullets to keep them grouping well.