Thoughts on 38 SC vs .38 S&W?

Yeah it will probably work just fine. Start low and work up to your desired velocity.

Watch some 38 Short Colt data floating around on the internet, as those of us using 38 Short Colt for USPSA competition are loading 38 SC way over 38 Special+ P pressures for use in 357 Mag revolvers in competition.

Hodgdon has actually published a small number of loads for 38 Short Colt on their online reloading data base. That would probably be the safest starting point.

As close as I can come in .38 S&W to 135 grains, is 148. Here is some data I collected for illustrative purposes only, and may give you some idea where to start... Personally, I'd load 140 grain TC style bullets, or the good old 158 LSWC using mild .38 S&W data and go from there.

Sure, these bullet weights are not exactly original spec, simply my opinion and preference. If you were to say use a 148 gr WC, or 158 grain bullet as mentioned, back off .3 grain or so, and see how it goes.

Curious, what handgun are you wanting to shoot the .38 SC ammo from?

Now my test results:

Webley Mk IV: 2.5 gr Bullseye CCI 500 148 grain Hornady BBWC WW cases seated 1.015”
690, 721, 691, 687, 670, AV 691 ES 51 SD 18

Webley Mk IV: 2.8 gr Red Dot CCI 500 148 grain Hornady BBWC WW cases seated 1.015”
797, 759, 812, 796, 768, AV 786 ES 53 SD 22

Webley Mk IV: 2.8 gr WW 231 148 gr Hornady BBWC CCI500 WW cases
740, 728, 764, 775, 751, AV 751 ES 47 SD 18

Webley Mk IV: 2.8 gr WW 231 148 gr Mastercast 148 BBWC CCI500 WW cases
775, 772, 754, 782, 778, AV 772 ES 28 SD 10

Also, here is a 158 grain LSWC load:

Webly MkIV: 2.5 grains WW231 Speer 158 LSWCHP CCI 500
689, 719, 696, 723, 699, AV 705 ES 34 SD 14

My Israeli revolver was proofed at 4 British tons (non Israeli got 3.5 Tons), and I still have all of my fingers; gun is one piece . Good luck, what you are doing sounds like fun.