For me the most enjoyable load for the 38 Special is as follows:

Any high quality 158 Cast SWC bullets
I prefer Federal brass but other commercial brass will do
3.5 grains of Winchester 231
Winchester or Federal small pistol primer (Wolf works well too)
The velocity will be in the 750 fps range in 4" revolvers

This load is mild enough to shoot in older non +P rated revolvers but has enough power to feel like a center fire ammo. It will reach out to 50 yards with good accuracy.

What is your favorite 38 Special load?