Nice photo work. The S&W special has the aspects of a semi-wad cutter on steroids.

I'm a old-school former deputy Sheriff that carried a Smith .38 special BG (Before Glock) accommodating semi-wad cutters.

Thank you for your sheriff service!

My wheel gun is the most accurate of all my handguns on the range. Absolutely love it but too big for conceal/carry so I C&C a Colt Commander.

Nice hip-hugger. Sho nuff to much to conceal.

An obligatory range follow up is in order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUfWtc-CJlU

Short story if you don't want to read further.
The New Winchester 94 performed flawlessly and the BP loads were the most accurate and consistent on the Chrono.
/end story.

And now for the REST of the story (RIP Paul Harvey)

I went through 3 powder types with 3 load weights and validated velocities with these new 38/55 and my other 45/70 loads.
The Caldwell Precision El Cheapo $56 Chrono was working fine, recording velocity on the little reader window from 15 feet away but my tablet was not recording through their app.
Half way through the shooting session I tried my Samsung smart phone and viola! It needs internet connection to work. DOH! It also validated all 3 45/70 loads in 3 different bullet wts and powder types. JUST where I expected the velocities to be! This was the best $56 spent for 'piece of mind' for my old Springfield Trapdoor.

All shots were low (expected) and left of target (adjusted front sight when I returned home) I was looking for velocities and groups only.

The 38/55 powders/Grs-Bolded was best consistent velocity and MOA
AA5744 20/21/22.5 gr -Avg Velocity 1456 pfs for best load
AA2200 24/25 gr -Avg Velocity 1560 fps for best load. NOTE: Velocities all over the place from 1414 to 1585. Probably uneven pressure when cooking off?
Pyrodex RS Select -45 by volume (31 gr) -Avg Velocity 1267 fps. This was another that had velocities ranges from 1194 to 1275 but had the tightest group (See picture below)

Pic 1: 25 yd target and Chrono, looking down range. The angle here looks like I'm going to shoot the Chrono!
Pic 2: Black powder grouping (best) with lowest average velocity at 25 yards.
Pic 3: wads (white) used with BP loads. I used a drop tube to fit as much powder as the casing could handle without over compressing, which is 45 by volume (31 grs) Then topped it with a wad.
Pic 4: 40 more ready for the range today! Please note the primer colors, I had a good primer strike but failure to fire on a Lg Rifle Federal so this first batch I switched to Magnum Lg Rifle CCI.

Excellent photography sportsdad. You made maximum effort with the detailed loading narrative. I'm learning a second language.

Looking good!!!! I've never used Pyrodex ! I've used 3fff in my 38-55 with good out come ! just dirty.

Ol Deuce