tazman, carelesslove here !
I agree with your selection of a S&W Model 14 as a favorite, in .38 Special !!!
I have the "Target Pair" - a K-22 and a K-38, in 8 3/8" barrels - bought them new, over 40 years ago. I have shot the K-38 more than all the rest of my guns.
In it's early years, I shot it with a whole array of .38 Special loads, but over the last 10 years, or so, I have consistently loaded it one way - a ~158 grain Cast SWC over 3.5 grains of Bullseye, for ~800 fps. The accuracy is downright boring - ~1 inch at 25 yards.
The action is slick from use and performs well in both single and double action. I like to call it my "stock PPC" gun.
Whenever I have a less than average range day, with other guns, the next range trip involves the K-38 and it's steady, standard loading. After this, all is right with the world again, and I shoot better with whatever I shoot - next time.
I have matched headstamps, and trimmed all my cases to length and pretty much standardized on a firm roll crimp to produce these results and I hope to shoot this gun - just like this - until I expire.
There is something to the phrase - "in harmony with nature". The .38 Special, in more or less standard form, a slick bore & action, tight & consistent cylinder throats, and excellent sights is harmony that is very hard to beat!
You are where you need to be - in .38 Special. The trick is to approach & experiment with increasing calibers, until you achieve the same results.
Thanks, Tom "carelesslove" Love