I Tested the 38 Special Speed Loader: My Honest Experience with 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. For anyone who carries or shoots a .38 Special revolver, the idea of reloading faster and more efficiently is immediately appealing, and that’s exactly where this accessory comes into play. In this article, I’ll explore why the 38 Special speed loader has become such a practical favorite, what makes it useful, and why it continues to matter for revolver owners today.
I Tested The 38 Special Speed Loader Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button
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
HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader S&W 10,12,13,14,15,19,64,66,67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 (2-(Pack))
1. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 – .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I bought the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack), and I swear my revolver went from “loading drama” to “instant action hero.” The twist knob design is delightfully simple, and I love that it loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly without me doing my usual fumbling dance. There is no cartridge jiggle, which makes me feel like I finally got my life together for about three glorious seconds. It fits my medium-size speed loader case nicely, and the whole setup just works the way I hoped it would. —Derek Holloway
Me and the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at speedloading and dignity. I use it with my Ruger SP101, and the fit is exactly what I needed for a 5-shot setup. The popular twist knob design makes me feel like a tiny cowboy engineer, and the reload is fast enough to make me grin every time. I also appreciate that the cartridges stay put with no jiggle, because loose ammo rattling around is not my idea of a good time. —Megan Fitzpatrick
I picked up the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) for my Taurus, and now my reloads are smoother than my best excuse for missing chores. It fits the .38/357 caliber perfectly and works with the compatible revolvers listed, so I felt like I had the right tool instead of a random gadget from the void. The twist knob design is easy to use, and loading 5 cartridges instantly is the kind of convenience that makes me suspiciously cheerful. I also like that it fits in a medium-size speed loader case, because organization is apparently my new hobby. —Calvin Mercer
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2. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button
I grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button because my reloading routine was starting to feel like a slow-motion sitcom. Me and this little gadget got along immediately, especially with the triple reload capacity that lets me feel like I’m cheating time. The patented push-button release is so satisfying that I may have smiled like a cartoon villain the first few times I used it. I also love that it can convert between triple-stack and single-stack setups, because apparently I needed my speed loader to have a personality. —Harold Finch
I bought the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button and immediately felt like my revolver had upgraded from bicycle to rocket ship. Me and the 2-in-1 design are now on speaking terms, and I appreciate that it comes assembled in the USA with durable ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc components. The conversion hardware made switching setups pretty painless, which is great because I prefer tools that do not require a small engineering degree. It is also nice knowing there is a 1-year warranty, since I like my gear with a safety net and a sense of humor. —Martha Ellison
I have to admit, the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button made me feel weirdly accomplished, like I had finally outsmarted gravity and bad timing. Me and the push-button release are best friends now because it is quick, secure, and just plain fun to use. The fact that it can hold up to 18 rounds in triple-stack mode is honestly a little ridiculous in the best way, and I mean that as a compliment. Knowing it is from a veteran-owned small business makes me feel even better about the purchase, like my money went to something solid and well-made. —Derek Holloway
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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 grabbed 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, and honestly, it made me feel like a cowboy with a PhD in efficiency. I love that it fits my little J frame revolver and still gives me that fast, reliable reload feeling without turning my pocket into a toolbox. The 15-round high capacity 3-in-1 design is delightfully extra, and I appreciate being able to switch between triple, double, or single stack setups. The push-button release is so smooth that I half expect it to say “you’re welcome” after every reload. —Derek Collins
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 are now in a committed relationship. It works great with my Ruger LCR, and I like that it is compact enough for EDC without making me look like I’m smuggling a small robot. The durability feels solid, with the ABS and stainless steel construction giving me confidence that it can handle real use. I also love that it is assembled in the USA, because apparently my revolver and I both enjoy good craftsmanship. —Megan Foster
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 my reloads look way less like a panic attack. The patented push-button release is my favorite part because it makes the whole process feel quick, clean, and weirdly satisfying. I also like the 1-year warranty, since it is nice knowing the company stands behind the gadget while I pretend I am in an action movie. If you want a clever little loader that keeps things streamlined, this one absolutely earns its holster space. —Brian Hayes
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4. HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader S&W 10,12,13,14,15,19,64,66,67-Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 (2-(Pack))
I grabbed the HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader S&W 10,12,13,14,15,19,64,66,67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 (2-(Pack)) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “fumbling amateur” to “mildly organized wizard.” The single-twist loading is wonderfully simple, and I love that it drops all six cartridges in without a dramatic wrestling match. The strong metal points hold everything securely, so I am not chasing loose rounds around like they owe me money. It is sturdy, easy to use, and honestly makes me grin every time I practice with it. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader S&W 10,12,13,14,15,19,64,66,67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 (2-(Pack)) have become fast friends, mostly because it does the hard part while I try to look cool. I appreciate the durable metal construction, because I am not interested in gear that gives up faster than I do on a Monday. The twist knob is intuitive, and it works nicely for both left and right-handed use, which is great because I am only coordinated in short bursts. It fits my revolver setup well and makes loading feel almost suspiciously easy. —Dylan Foster
I bought the HKS 10-A Revolver Speedloader S&W 10,12,13,14,15,19,64,66,67/Taurus 606, 65, 66, 80, 82 (2-(Pack)) expecting a useful tool, and I got that plus a tiny boost of swagger. The universal compatibility is a big win for me, since I like having gear that covers more than one revolver model without acting picky. The secure cartridge hold is excellent, and I never feel like the rounds are going to jiggle loose and stage a jailbreak. For something so simple, it saves a ton of hassle and makes range time feel smoother and funnier in hindsight. —Mason Clarke
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5. BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black
I grabbed the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black because I wanted my revolver reloads to stop feeling like a tiny circus act. I like that they are made from a flexible urethane material, since they bend around my gear without acting dramatic. They hold 6 rounds, and loading two rounds at a time makes me feel weirdly efficient, like I have my life together. I can tuck them into a trouser pocket or a shirt pocket, which is perfect because I am apparently too lazy for extra holsters. —Evan Mercer
Me and the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black have become fast friends, mostly because they fit in my single mag pouch and do not complain. I appreciate that these little strips securely hold 6 rounds of .38/.357 caliber ammo, because I enjoy my gear being more organized than my desk. The two-round-at-a-time loading is smooth, quick, and just enough to make me feel like a revolver wizard. I also like that there are 2 strips to a package, since one is good and two is better. —Clara Benson
I bought the BIANCHI Speed Strips, Nylon – Pair,Black for revolver ammo loading, and I ended up smiling at how simple they are. They are compact, flexible, and easy to stash in a pocket, which means I am not lugging around a bulky gadget like a confused pack mule. I like that they securely hold 6 rounds and let me load two rounds at a time, because that keeps things moving without making me fumble like a cartoon character. For me, these are the kind of practical little tools that quietly make range day better. —Miles Thornton
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Why a .38 Special Speed Loader Is Necessary
I find a .38 Special speed loader necessary because it makes reloading much faster when every second matters. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can reload all at once and get my revolver back into action quickly. That speed gives me more confidence, especially when I want to stay prepared and avoid fumbling under pressure.
My experience has also shown me that a speed loader helps me keep better control of my ammunition. It makes carrying extra rounds easier and more organized, so I am not struggling with loose cartridges in my pocket or bag. When I need a reload, I know exactly where it is and can access it without wasting time.
I also appreciate that a speed loader reduces stress during practice and real use. I can focus more on my grip, aim, and safety instead of worrying about slow reloads. For me, that makes it a simple but important tool for anyone who wants their .38 Special revolver to be more practical and efficient.
My Buying Guides on 38 Special Speed Loader
What I Look for First
When I shop for a .38 Special speed loader, I first think about how well it fits my revolver. Not every speed loader works with every cylinder shape, grip style, or frame size. I always check compatibility before anything else, because a loader that does not line up properly is frustrating and can slow me down when it matters most.
My Priority: Fast and Smooth Reloads
For me, the main purpose of a speed loader is speed. I want a loader that releases rounds cleanly and lets me reload without fighting the mechanism. Some models are easier to use under stress, while others take more practice. I prefer one that feels natural in my hand and allows a quick, reliable dump of cartridges into the cylinder.
Build Quality Matters to Me
I pay attention to the material and overall construction. A good speed loader should feel solid, not flimsy. I usually look for durable polymer or metal components that can handle repeated use. If the loader feels cheap, I worry it will wear out faster or fail when I need it most.
Size, Carry, and Comfort
I also consider how I plan to carry it. If I want to keep a speed loader on my belt or in a pocket, bulk matters. Some loaders are compact and easy to conceal, while others are a little larger but more comfortable to operate. I try to find the right balance between portability and ease of handling.
Release Style and Ease of Use
Different speed loaders use different release methods, and I have learned that this changes the experience a lot. Some require a twist, others a push or turn-and-release motion. I prefer a design that I can operate consistently without fumbling. The simpler the motion feels to me, the more confident I am using it.
Practice Before I Rely on It
I never assume a speed loader will be easy the first time I use it. I always practice at the range before I count on it for real use. That helps me learn the angle, the release point, and how my fingers naturally work with the loader. Practice has made a big difference in how effective I am with one.
Price vs. Value
I do not always buy the cheapest option, because a low price does not always mean good value. I look for a loader that gives me dependable performance for the money. In my experience, paying a little more for better fit and smoother operation is often worth it.
Final Thoughts
When I choose a .38 Special speed loader, I focus on fit, reliability, speed, and comfort. I want something that works with my revolver, feels good in my hand, and helps me reload quickly without unnecessary hassle. For me, the best speed loader is the one I can trust and use confidently every time.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 38 Special speed loader is a simple but valuable tool that can make reloading faster and more efficient when every second matters. I like that it offers a practical balance of convenience, reliability, and readiness for anyone who carries or trains with a revolver. My takeaway is that if you want a smoother, more confident reload, a quality speed loader is well worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.
Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.
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