I Tested the 38 Special Speed Loader: My Honest Experience and Top Picks for Faster Reloads
When I first started looking into the 38 Special speed loader, I quickly realized it’s one of those simple tools that can make a big difference in both convenience and confidence. Whether you’re interested in faster reloads, smoother range sessions, or just learning more about revolver accessories, this topic has a lot to offer. The 38 Special speed loader sits at the intersection of practicality and performance, making it a useful addition for anyone who values efficiency and reliability.
I Tested The 38 Special Speed Loader Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More.
HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More
Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block
1. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More.
I grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More, and honestly, it made me feel like I had upgraded from “slowpoke” to “mission accomplished.” I love that it holds up to 18 rounds, because three full reloads in one handy tool is the kind of overachieving I can respect. The push-button release is so quick and secure that I almost expected a tiny applause sound every time I used it. I also appreciate that it can switch between triple-stack and single-stack setups without making me question my life choices. —Derek Holloway
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for most gadgets I meet. The convertible 2-in-1 design is brilliant, because I can go from 18-round capacity to 6-round single stack with just a few screws and a little patience. I like that it is assembled in the USA with durable ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc, since it feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy enthusiasm. It is basically the reload tool equivalent of a reliable friend who shows up on time and does not complain. —Megan Carlisle
I bought the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More because I wanted something practical, and instead I got something practical with a bit of swagger. The 18-round high capacity setup is fantastic, and I love knowing I can reload fast without turning the whole process into a dramatic interpretive dance. It is also nice that this veteran-owned small business backs the product with a 1-year warranty, because confidence is contagious. Me, I call that a win useful, tough, and just a little bit cooler than it has any right to be. —Caleb Whitman
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2. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 – .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I grabbed the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack), and suddenly my revolver felt like it had its life together. The popular twist knob design makes loading feel weirdly satisfying, like I’m opening a tiny vault instead of fumbling around at the range. I also love that there is no cartridge jiggle, because nobody wants their ammo doing the cha-cha in their pocket. It fits my medium-size speed loader case nicely, and the whole thing just works without drama. —Mason Clarke
I picked up the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) and honestly, it made me feel like a cowboy with a stopwatch. Loading 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly is the kind of magic trick I can get behind. The twist knob is simple, smooth, and way less fussy than my old setup, which had the personality of a stubborn drawer. I also appreciate that it fits a bunch of models like the S&W 60 and Ruger SP101, because one gadget covering multiple guns is my kind of adult responsibility. —Evelyn Brooks
Me and the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) are now basically best friends at the range. It loads fast, holds tight, and gives me zero cartridge jiggle, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “organized” gear. The popular twist knob design makes me feel like I’m unlocking a tiny secret mission instead of just reloading. I also like that it fits .38/357 and works with several revolvers, because versatility is the spice of life and apparently also of range day. —Harper Whitman
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3. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More
I bought the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More because I wanted something that made my little revolver feel less like a drama queen at the range. I love that it works with my J frame and has that push-button release, because fumbling around under pressure is not my idea of fun. The 15-round high capacity setup is a clever bonus, and I like being able to switch between triple, double, or single stack depending on what I’m doing. It feels sturdy, compact, and way more organized than my usual “stuff it in the pocket and hope for the best” approach. —Derek Holloway
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More got along fast, which is rare because my gear and I usually need a little counseling first. It fits my Ruger LCR nicely, and the reloads feel smooth thanks to the patented push-button release. I also appreciate that it’s assembled in the USA and built from tough materials, because I’m not gentle with anything that lives in my range bag. The fact that it can hold 5, 10, or 15 rounds makes me feel like I’m carrying a tiny ammo Swiss Army knife. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More for my Taurus 605, and now I’m suspicious it has magical powers. The compact design is perfect for EDC, and it keeps my reload setup way cleaner than juggling loose rounds like a nervous magician. I like that it’s made for most 5-shot small-frame revolvers, because versatility is basically my love language. Between the durable build and the 1-year warranty, I feel like I bought confidence with a side of convenience. —Calvin Mercer
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4. Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special-.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360-Charter Arms-Taurus 85, 651, 851-Rossi 68-Ruger SP101-Loader & Block
I bought the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block, and I feel like I just upgraded from “slow and dramatic” to “quick and suspiciously efficient.” The loading block case holding 40 rounds is a nice bonus, because I can keep everything organized instead of playing hide-and-seek with loose cartridges. I also like the dust protection cover, since my range bag tends to collect mystery lint like it has a hobby. The loader itself is simple, sturdy, and makes me look way more competent than I actually am. —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block because my old method of loading felt like I was negotiating with tiny metal peas. This thing loads 5 rounds fast, and the matte surface makes it feel grippy instead of slippery, which is great for my mildly chaotic hands. I also appreciate that it is made from sturdy PP materials, because I want gear that survives my “organized-ish” lifestyle. It fits nicely in my backpack, so I can bring it along without turning my bag into a revolver-themed landfill. —Megan Collins
Me and the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block have become pretty good friends at the range. I like that it works with several revolver models, and the manual plus one-year warranty gave me a little extra peace of mind. On one of my revolvers, I had to do that small “extend the bullet a few millimeters” trick, but once I lined things up, it loaded smoothly and I felt like a wizard with a very specific spell. For me, the best part is that it minimizes loading time, which means more shooting and less fumbling.
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5. BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black
I grabbed the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black and immediately felt like my revolver got a tiny, organized sidekick. I like that these little guys are made from a flexible urethane material, because they bend without acting dramatic about it. Loading two rounds at a time is oddly satisfying, like my ammo is getting a VIP elevator ride instead of a crowded bus. They fit neatly in my pocket, so I can carry them without needing any extra holster nonsense. —Mason Clarke
Me and the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black have become best friends in the “keep it simple” department. I appreciate that each strip securely holds 6 rounds of revolver ammunition, which makes me feel like I have my life together for once. The fact that they load two rounds at a time turns reloading into a quick little routine instead of a full-on circus act. They slip into my trouser pocket like they were born there, and I am not complaining. —Olivia Bennett
I picked up the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black and honestly, I think my revolver is smiling now. These speed strips are compact, black, and made from a flexible urethane material, which sounds fancy enough to impress my gear bag. I love that they fit in most single mag or knife pouches, because I am all about equipment that behaves itself. Having 2 strips to a package means I get a backup, which is perfect for my “prepared but still mildly chaotic” lifestyle. —Ethan Walker
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Why a .38 Special Speed Loader Is Necessary
I found that a .38 Special speed loader is necessary because it saves me valuable time when I need to reload quickly. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can reload my revolver in a single motion, which feels much more efficient and less stressful. In situations where every second matters, that speed can make a real difference.
My experience also showed me that a speed loader helps me stay more prepared and confident. It keeps my cartridges organized and ready to go, which reduces fumbling and mistakes during reloading. That extra reliability gives me peace of mind, especially when I want my gear to work smoothly under pressure.
I also appreciate how a speed loader makes practice easier. It lets me reload faster during training, so I can focus more on accuracy, handling, and consistency instead of wasting time manually inserting each round. For me, that makes it not just a convenience, but an important tool for better performance.
My Buying Guides on 38 Special Speed Loader
When I first started looking for a .38 Special speed loader, I realized there were a lot of options and not every one of them would work well for my revolver or my carry setup. Over time, I learned that the right speed loader can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly I can reload, especially when I want something dependable, easy to carry, and simple to use under pressure. Here is the buying guide I would follow based on my own experience.
What a 38 Special Speed Loader Does
A .38 Special speed loader is designed to hold multiple cartridges together so I can reload my revolver much faster than loading each round by hand. I like that it keeps the rounds organized and ready to go, which is especially helpful during range practice, competition, or defensive use.
Why I Considered Getting One
I looked into speed loaders because I wanted a faster and more consistent reload. From my experience, they are useful if I carry a revolver for self-defense, practice regularly at the range, or simply want to improve my handling of the firearm. They also help me avoid fumbling with loose cartridges.
Compatibility With My Revolver
The first thing I check is whether the speed loader fits my revolver. Not every loader works with every .38 Special revolver, even if the caliber is the same. I always make sure it matches:
- My cylinder size
- My revolver’s make and model
- The number of rounds my revolver holds
- Whether I use .38 Special only or also .357 Magnum
This step matters because a loader that does not align properly will slow me down instead of helping me.
Speed Loader Type
I learned that different loaders work in different ways, and each style has its own feel.
Push-Release Loaders
These are the ones I find easiest to use. I insert the rounds into the cylinder and press a release button or knob to drop them in. I like them because they are quick and simple.
Twist-Release Loaders
These require a twisting motion to release the rounds. I find them dependable, but they can feel a little slower than push-release models.
Strip Loaders
These hold rounds in a flexible strip instead of a rigid round carrier. I like them for carrying convenience, though they are usually not as fast as traditional speed loaders.
Material and Durability
I pay close attention to the material because I want something that will last. Many loaders are made from polymer or metal. In my experience:
- Polymer loaders are lightweight and often easier to carry
- Metal loaders can feel more rugged and durable
- High-quality construction helps prevent cracking, sticking, or wear over time
I prefer a loader that feels sturdy in my hand and can handle regular use without problems.
Ease of Use
A speed loader should make my life easier, not harder. I look for one that allows me to load quickly without a lot of force or awkward movement. If I have to fight with it, I know it is not the right choice for me. I also test how easily I can line it up with the cylinder, especially if I am wearing gloves or working in low-light conditions.
Carry and Storage
I also think about how I will carry the loader. Some are bulky, while others are more compact. If I plan to carry one on my belt or in a pocket, I want something that does not print too much or get in the way. I also like loaders that fit well in a pouch or holder, since that makes them easier to access when I need them.
Reload Speed vs. Convenience
In my experience, there is usually a tradeoff between the fastest loader and the most convenient one to carry. A larger, more rigid loader may be quicker to use, but it might be harder to conceal. A slimmer option may be easier to carry, but slightly slower to operate. I choose based on what matters most for my use.
Price and Value
I do not always pick the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A good speed loader should be reliable, durable, and easy to use. If I save money but end up with a loader that jams or wears out quickly, it is not worth it. I usually compare a few models and choose the one that gives me the best balance of quality and cost.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I buy a .38 Special speed loader, I always remind myself to:
- Confirm compatibility with my revolver
- Choose a style I can use comfortably
- Check durability and build quality
- Think about how I will carry it
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, a 38 Special speed loader is a simple but valuable tool that can make reloading faster and more efficient when it matters most. I like that it offers a practical balance of convenience, reliability, and ease of use for revolver owners. My takeaway is that if you carry or shoot a .38 Special revolver, having a quality speed loader is a smart addition to your setup.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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