Just assembling the front Huck brakes on my '49 3600 (3/4 ton). MIght be a dumb question, but I'm asking anyway

I'm seeing conflicting answers to this on "the Google" so figured I better ask before I start doing anything rash.
Normally, I snug the bearings up tight, give them a couple rolls and then back off until I can feel a little play, then tighten to where that just disappears. Has worked for years and I've yet to lose a bearing.
On this '49 I have to back the castle nut off to where there is just a slight bit of play in order to get the cotter pin in. If I tighten to the next notch, then the wheel won't turn (at all). There's fresh grease and lots of it, and the bearings are packed.
I don't like play in a front wheel bearing, an easy fix would be to cut a new slot in the castle nut so I can eliminate that free play; BUT is that freeplay needed (or not harmful) with these OEM roller bearings?
Thanks!
NC3800