Recommendations for a speed loader

[Fatcat]

OP: For range use, all the speed loaders will work - it’s your preference as to what you like. For competitive games, it’s whatever you can use for the fastest times.
For carry/defensive use, another factor to consider is the ammo retention. In the event you bump the loader against something or it drops on the ground, will the rounds be held at in place?
Try to whip all the carriers (loaded) across a parking lot, IMO the HKS had the best retention. Safariland (Comp II) is almost as good. Like others my recommendation is the Safariland.

[nosuchagency]

agree on jetloader recommendation...

[boattail]

Safariland comp twos if using them for conceal carry. The HKS twist tops have a way of pooping loose when carried on the belt all day. If for range use either will work. Comp threes are a tad too big for conceal carry on me.

[Blademan21]

Back in the 80?s I carried a 6” blue 586. I carried 3 of the Safariland speedloaders. They are activated by the star-in the cylinder and I never worried if a should drop one. In addition the rounds did not “rattle” before the rounds went into the cylinder. A plus under stress. OP practice reloading with your eyes closed until you can do it without any issues . Good luck.

[wamphyri13]

For bench use, I use HKS and 5 Star aluminum.

[L-2]

I've got several brands of speedloaders and, to me, they all work about the same:

http://www.hksspeedloaders.com/

https://safariland.com/search?q=speedloader

https://www.speedbeez.com/product-category/speed-loaders/

https://5starfirearms.com/speed-loading/357-38-caliber/

Note, some combinations of speedloader and a revolver's grips (aka stocks) may not work 100% and a user will just have to try out what might work. Loading blocks may work well for the same brand of speedloader but may not work well for another brand of speedloader, just so you know.

I'm not good with modifying grips and can't recommend doing this although some others may have successfully done so.

Perhaps buy one or all the brands to see what you like, then buy a bunch more. Some speedloaders are larger or longer than others, and some may carry better than others in one's pocket or belt carrier.

Speed Strips are another carry method, as someone else mentioned, which carry quite well in a pocket, essentially being flat:

https://bianchileather.com/products/speed-strips-pair-10851

https://tuffproducts.com/7002-quickstrips-black-2-set/

I'll use these too depending on what revolver I might be carrying and what I'm wearing (if I'm not carrying a semiauto, usually a Glock).

[9mmepiphany]

All speedloaders have some tradeoff.

I started with HKS, moved to Dade, then went through the Safariland Comp 1, 2, and 3...and have used all on a duty belt. Recently I played with some 5-Star and a couple of S.L. Longwitz clones.

Twist type:
The most common are the HKS. They're easy to load, but they rattle. The 5-Star are better quality, but a bit more expensive (you do get what you pay for)

Push type:
The Safariland 3 are the fastest, the SL is the most reliable from positions other than standing. I've used both in IDPA competition. The Safariland 2 are almost as fast, but smaller for easier CCW.

None of the push type speedloaders allow the bullets to rattle and all are very secure in retaining the bullets.

If you really want to reload quickly, the way to go is moonclips. Easier to load, more reliable to eject spent cases, and smaller than speedloaders

[trailblazer87]

Looks like I will be ordering a couple of different ones to try. Thanks all.

[Blademan21]

All speedloaders have some tradeoff.

I started with HKS, moved to Dade, then went through the Safariland Comp 1, 2, and 3...and have used all on a duty belt. Recently I played with some 5-Star and a couple of S.L. Longwitz clones.

Twist type:
The most common are the HKS. They're easy to load, but they rattle. The 5-Star are better quality, but a bit more expensive (you do get what you pay for)

Push type:
The Safariland 3 are the fastest, the SL is the most reliable from positions other than standing. I've used both in IDPA competition. The Safariland 2 are almost as fast, but smaller for easier CCW.

None of the push type speedloaders allow the bullets to rattle and all are very secure in retaining the bullets.

If you really want to reload quickly, the way to go is moonclips. Easier to load, more reliable to eject spent cases, and smaller than speedloaders

Dade?I haven?t heard that name in a long time. They were made in Northern California. That?s probably why Clint Eastwood used them in ?Dirty Harry? movies?.lol. There were some on Ebay years ago but they weren?t black. Can?t remember the color.


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[hambam105]

Look into Safiland Loading Block.

Pictures of it popped up on google right away...On YT didn't see it.

[ARDude]

I started with HKS, but I prefer Safariland with my 686.
IMG_2408.jpg

[Devilock04]

I have both HKS and Safariland Comp I speed loaders for my 642. I prefer the HKS as they?re easier to load and feel like the rounds are more secure.

From what others here have posted, it sounds like the Comp II and Comp III loaders are better than the Comp I. I don?t have any experiences with them, but don?t recommend the Comp I beyond range use.

[Enzo rules]

I used HKS for years. I never had an issue.

[RandyD]

I got my first S&W in the early 80's and went with HKS. I have used them with J, K and L framed revolvers and they always worked.

[Reno-Kid]

I would also add strip loaders. Very easy to carry to use with my Rugers and SW. Not as speedy, but very compact in the pocket.