Crimping method for the .38

I'm  loading for 2 .38 conversions, a Giles & an unknown, and have been roll crimping. Recently I had occasion to pull some older revolver loads that were roll crimped and noticed a variation in the force needed for pulling.

 Do the .38  shooters here taper crimp??

I use range brass so length variation is to be expected.

Never have taper crimped .38 spl
Taper crimp was developed for cartridges that seat on the case mouth.
Roll crimp for rimmed cartridges.
Not saying you can’t mix though

Understand what you are saying Jim but my concern is bullet pull from a variation in case lengths changing the amount of brass rolled into the crimp?  Thanks!

No one, back then, paid any attention to bullet pull.  It was how well your ammo shot. 

 If you look at factory wadcutter ammunition the roll crimp isn’t very much.  But you’ll also notice a canellure mid body rolled into the case.  Very often this is rolled into one of the lube grooves of the bullet!   I’m sure that was one of the secrets of how the ammo companies increased bullet pull without excessive roll crimping.  This is difficult for reloaders to duplicate.

I have never seen any particular crimp make me shoot better