speedloaders

chrisintexas · April 25, 2017, 05:04 PM

what are different brands of speedloaders in 357/38 and which ones do you like?

NoSecondBest · April 25, 2017, 05:12 PM

HKS and Safariland are the two biggest manufacturers of speed loaders. For actual speed of use, the Safariland are the best. You may need to use different grips on your gun so that they fit without binding on the loader. I use HKS when hunting, simply as a means of carrying extra ammo...they aren't quite as fast. When I was shooting major competition I used Safariland exclusively. Neither brand is that expensive and it comes down to personal preference.

dgludwig · April 25, 2017, 05:41 PM

I have used HKS speed loaders for decades without any problems in terms of execution and reliability/durability, so they are the ones I "prefer"-but with this relevant caveat: I've never used Safariland units. Maybe it's time I give them a try-though familiarity and experience with HKS units over the years will make a switch to Safariland difficult, if not unlikely; not to mention the fact that I already own dozens of brand "X" speed loaders.

L-2 · April 25, 2017, 06:04 PM

https://www.speedbeez.com

http://www.5starfirearms.com/Speed-Loading-s/106.htm

SPEED BEEZ and 5 STAR are two other brands to consider.

2damnold4this · April 25, 2017, 06:11 PM

I use Safariland speed loaders for my J and K frame Smiths.

Slopemeno · April 25, 2017, 06:12 PM

I've been using Safariland Comp-II's that I've owned for about thirty years, and they're sill working perfectly.

HighValleyRanch · April 25, 2017, 07:57 PM

If you can find one, Longwitz SL Variants are the best, made in Germany.

Spring loaded, secure and very fast.
I found five for my Ruger security six on the big auction, and one for my Ruger LCR's.
Average price was 35.00 each, but I've seen them go for over 80.00 each!

MrBorland · April 25, 2017, 08:48 PM

For carry, a Safariland CompII. For competition, ("Bubberized") JetLoaders.

JoeSixpack · April 25, 2017, 09:21 PM

I've only ever used HKS, they can be had for 8 bucks or less.. Last one's I bought I got from a gunshow 3 for 20$

quality is fine on them.. probably better faster ones but the HKS loaders are pretty sturdy.

Just make sure it lines up with your cylinder so it's a good drop in.
also watch out for grips, sometimes they get in the way and require trimming.

BigJimP · April 26, 2017, 11:08 AM

I prefer the Jet speedloaders..in my K and L frames.../ they don't make them for N frames for some reason...

In my N frames I've gone to Star loaders..

V-fib · April 26, 2017, 11:26 AM

another HKS user. I use them in my S&W 642 .38, my rossi circuit judge in .22lr, my Taurus 94 .22lr and Taurus 627ss tracker .357

v-fib

SIGSHR · April 26, 2017, 03:15 PM

HKS here, have always worked fine. I practice with snap caps.

Dave T · April 26, 2017, 04:20 PM

Those SpeedBeez L-2 posted about are a take off on the old Dade Screw Machine loaders which were popular around the police PPC matches I attended in the mid-1970s. They didn't hold up well to rough handling but for smooth, clean reloads under the generous time limits of the NRA PPC course, they were the bees-knees. (slight play on words intended)

I always told my students the Safariland or HKS were the best choices for social used (self defense). My preference these days are Moonclips. I use them for 45 ACP revolvers and the 7-shot L-frame I just acquired.

Dave

lunger · April 26, 2017, 04:35 PM

Five Star is another option. Haven't used them much but seem well made

https://www.amazon.com/5-Star-Firear...s=speed+loader

Model12Win · April 26, 2017, 05:29 PM

Safariland Comp IIs.

They hold the rounds firmly and they don't wiggle around. The push to release is very fast and sure. I think they are better and faster than HKS speedloaders. They seem to load more sure with less chance of fumbling and bumbling, not to mention jumbling.

Screwball · April 26, 2017, 05:50 PM

I used HKS for years... and if I am using speedloaders, that is my go-to. I picked up some speedstrips (Tuff, I believe), but not something that I like.

Now, I converted my 642-1 to 9mm. Now, doing S&W moon clips. Very happy with them, as .38s in HKS speedloaders are a lot longer than 9mm in moon clips.

I am debating converting my 629-1 over to moon clips... but unsure. I like them, but the costs of the machining and then a BMT loader (I only use them with moon clips) is a lot more than just dealing with HKS speedloaders.

I may do a R8 or something similar... which I'll probably get a few speedloaders and moon clips/loader.

NoSecondBest · April 27, 2017, 08:37 AM

Unless you're shooting competition, you won't really know which are the best. Go to a shoot and see what the pros/top shooters are using and then you'll know which are best. Unless you're shooting where speed counts and the difference is 1/100th sec between winning or losing, they're just something to carry shells around in. I can tell you from experience, HKS are not the fastest. I do use them for carrying shells around in when I'm deer hunting. They're faster than fumbling around in your pocket looking for shells to reload, they're cheap, and durable.
Note: Moon clips are faster than anything if you have a gun you can use them in. Ask Jerry M. why he uses them.

**4V50 Gary** · April 27, 2017, 09:07 AM

I have both HKS and Safariland. For duty use I used HKS. Easier to get out of the speedloader pouch and almost as fast to reload. Ah, for the fun days of DA revolver shooting.

otasan · April 27, 2017, 07:42 PM

I have used HKS for years, but I have recently converted to the Safariland loaders for my S&W Model 629.

MR.G · April 27, 2017, 08:57 PM

HKS for decades

357 Python · April 28, 2017, 02:52 PM

I have both the HKS and the Safariland. I started with HKS and am extremely pleased with their performance and operation. The police force I am on issued revolvers when I started and also issued Safariland speed loaders. I became very familiar with them and appreciate their performance. Both are great for the purpose. Of the two I prefer the HKS because I am more familiar with them and they are the ones I have the most experience with.

tlm225 · April 29, 2017, 07:57 PM

I've used both but prefer the Safariland. As you can see, both brands have their fans. Get a couple of both, learn their operation, use them some then decide.

WyMark · April 29, 2017, 09:25 PM

I really like 5-Star, very light and simple. I have at least one for every revolver size I own.

But it's the only one I've tried, and I have no basis for comparison.

mukwah · April 29, 2017, 09:37 PM

+1 on the 5 Star also......

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

briandg · April 29, 2017, 09:45 PM

I carry hks, and know fully well that I'd better do the job in those first six. It's not like changing magazines. If you are carrying for defense, get spring loaded.

April 25, 2017, 05:04 PM	#1
chrisintexas Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2012 Posts: 388	speedloaders what are different brands of speedloaders in 357/38 and which ones do you like?

April 25, 2017, 05:41 PM	#3
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,487	I have used HKS speed loaders for decades without any problems in terms of execution and reliability/durability, so they are the ones I "prefer"-but with this relevant caveat: I've never used Safariland units. Maybe it's time I give them a try-though familiarity and experience with HKS units over the years will make a switch to Safariland difficult, if not unlikely; not to mention the fact that I already own dozens of brand "X" speed loaders. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

April 25, 2017, 06:04 PM	#4
L-2 Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2004 Location: Nevada Posts: 547	https://www.speedbeez.com http://www.5starfirearms.com/Speed-Loading-s/106.htm SPEED BEEZ and 5 STAR are two other brands to consider. __________________ (former) Glock Armorer 1911 Armorer LEO (retired)

April 25, 2017, 07:57 PM	#7
HighValleyRanch Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2005 Posts: 4,140	If you can find one, Longwitz SL Variants are the best, made in Germany. Spring loaded, secure and very fast. I found five for my Ruger security six on the big auction, and one for my Ruger LCR's. Average price was 35.00 each, but I've seen them go for over 80.00 each! __________________ From the sweet grass to the slaughter house; From birth until death; We travel between these two eternities........from 'Broken Trail"

April 26, 2017, 11:26 AM	#11
V-fib Senior Member Join Date: June 26, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 255	another HKS user. I use them in my S&W 642 .38, my rossi circuit judge in .22lr, my Taurus 94 .22lr and Taurus 627ss tracker .357 v-fib __________________ Livin in the woods...feelin mighty good.

April 25, 2017, 05:12 PM	#2
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	HKS and Safariland are the two biggest manufacturers of speed loaders. For actual speed of use, the Safariland are the best. You may need to use different grips on your gun so that they fit without binding on the loader. I use HKS when hunting, simply as a means of carrying extra ammo...they aren't quite as fast. When I was shooting major competition I used Safariland exclusively. Neither brand is that expensive and it comes down to personal preference.

April 25, 2017, 06:11 PM	#5
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,608	I use Safariland speed loaders for my J and K frame Smiths.

April 25, 2017, 06:12 PM	#6
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	I've been using Safariland Comp-II's that I've owned for about thirty years, and they're sill working perfectly.

April 25, 2017, 08:48 PM	#8
MrBorland Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2007 Location: NC Posts: 2,614	For carry, a Safariland CompII. For competition, ("Bubberized") JetLoaders.

April 25, 2017, 09:21 PM	#9
JoeSixpack Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,048	I've only ever used HKS, they can be had for 8 bucks or less.. Last one's I bought I got from a gunshow 3 for 20$ quality is fine on them.. probably better faster ones but the HKS loaders are pretty sturdy. Just make sure it lines up with your cylinder so it's a good drop in. also watch out for grips, sometimes they get in the way and require trimming.

April 26, 2017, 11:08 AM	#10
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I prefer the Jet speedloaders..in my K and L frames.../ they don't make them for N frames for some reason... In my N frames I've gone to Star loaders..

April 26, 2017, 03:15 PM	#12
SIGSHR Senior Member Join Date: September 13, 2005 Posts: 4,712	HKS here, have always worked fine. I practice with snap caps.

April 26, 2017, 04:20 PM	#13
Dave T Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2000 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,458	Those SpeedBeez L-2 posted about are a take off on the old Dade Screw Machine loaders which were popular around the police PPC matches I attended in the mid-1970s. They didn't hold up well to rough handling but for smooth, clean reloads under the generous time limits of the NRA PPC course, they were the bees-knees. (slight play on words intended) I always told my students the Safariland or HKS were the best choices for social used (self defense). My preference these days are Moonclips. I use them for 45 ACP revolvers and the 7-shot L-frame I just acquired. Dave __________________ RSVN '69-'71 PCSD Ret

April 26, 2017, 04:35 PM	#14
lunger Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Posts: 459	Five Star is another option. Haven't used them much but seem well made https://www.amazon.com/5-Star-Firear...s=speed+loader

April 26, 2017, 05:29 PM	#15
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	Safariland Comp IIs. They hold the rounds firmly and they don't wiggle around. The push to release is very fast and sure. I think they are better and faster than HKS speedloaders. They seem to load more sure with less chance of fumbling and bumbling, not to mention jumbling.

April 26, 2017, 05:50 PM	#16
Screwball Senior Member Join Date: May 16, 2012 Location: ME Posts: 824	I used HKS for years... and if I am using speedloaders, that is my go-to. I picked up some speedstrips (Tuff, I believe), but not something that I like. Now, I converted my 642-1 to 9mm. Now, doing S&W moon clips. Very happy with them, as .38s in HKS speedloaders are a lot longer than 9mm in moon clips. I am debating converting my 629-1 over to moon clips... but unsure. I like them, but the costs of the machining and then a BMT loader (I only use them with moon clips) is a lot more than just dealing with HKS speedloaders. I may do a R8 or something similar... which I'll probably get a few speedloaders and moon clips/loader.

April 27, 2017, 08:37 AM	#17
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Unless you're shooting competition, you won't really know which are the best. Go to a shoot and see what the pros/top shooters are using and then you'll know which are best. Unless you're shooting where speed counts and the difference is 1/100th sec between winning or losing, they're just something to carry shells around in. I can tell you from experience, HKS are not the fastest. I do use them for carrying shells around in when I'm deer hunting. They're faster than fumbling around in your pocket looking for shells to reload, they're cheap, and durable. Note: Moon clips are faster than anything if you have a gun you can use them in. Ask Jerry M. why he uses them.

April 27, 2017, 09:07 AM	#18
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,306	I have both HKS and Safariland. For duty use I used HKS. Easier to get out of the speedloader pouch and almost as fast to reload. Ah, for the fun days of DA revolver shooting. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

April 27, 2017, 07:42 PM	#19
otasan Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2005 Location: Hartford, Vermont Posts: 519	HKS I have used HKS for years, but I have recently converted to the Safariland loaders for my S&W Model 629.

April 27, 2017, 08:57 PM	#20
MR.G Senior Member Join Date: July 20, 2001 Posts: 641	HKS for decades

April 28, 2017, 02:52 PM	#21
357 Python Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 2007 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 941	I have both the HKS and the Safariland. I started with HKS and am extremely pleased with their performance and operation. The police force I am on issued revolvers when I started and also issued Safariland speed loaders. I became very familiar with them and appreciate their performance. Both are great for the purpose. Of the two I prefer the HKS because I am more familiar with them and they are the ones I have the most experience with.

April 29, 2017, 07:57 PM	#22
tlm225 Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2004 Location: Arkansas Posts: 976	I've used both but prefer the Safariland. As you can see, both brands have their fans. Get a couple of both, learn their operation, use them some then decide. __________________ All that is neccessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

April 29, 2017, 09:25 PM	#23
WyMark Senior Member Join Date: January 10, 2011 Location: Wyoming Posts: 648	I really like 5-Star, very light and simple. I have at least one for every revolver size I own. But it's the only one I've tried, and I have no basis for comparison.

April 29, 2017, 09:37 PM	#24
mukwah Member Join Date: August 30, 2012 Posts: 92	+1 on the 5 Star also...... Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

April 29, 2017, 09:45 PM	#25
briandg Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2010 Posts: 5,468	I carry hks, and know fully well that I'd better do the job in those first six. It's not like changing magazines. If you are carrying for defense, get spring loaded.