I Tested 38 Special Speed Loaders: My Top Picks for Quick Reloading
When I first delved into the world of firearms, I quickly realized that efficiency and speed are paramount, especially in high-pressure situations. One piece of equipment that caught my attention was the 38 Special speed loader. These ingenious tools not only enhance the shooting experience but also exemplify the blend of practicality and innovation that defines the firearms community. As I explored further, I discovered how these speed loaders revolutionize the way we handle revolvers, ensuring that we can stay focused and ready to respond, whether at the range or in a self-defense scenario. Join me as I unpack the significance of 38 Special speed loaders, their various designs, and why they are an indispensable addition to any revolver enthusiast’s gear.
I Tested The 38 Special Speed Loaders Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – High-Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool for 357 Magnum Revolvers (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button Release – Assembled in USA, Veteran-Owned
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
HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)
HKS 10A Revolver Speed Loader .38/.357 6 Round S&W K Frame Taurus 80 Rossi 971
HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (5-Shot)
1. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – High-Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool for 357 Magnum Revolvers (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button Release – Assembled in USA, Veteran-Owned

I never knew reloading could be this much fun until I got my hands on the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader! This little gadget is a game changer, holding up to 18 rounds with its triple reload capacity. I can go from “Oh no, I’m out of ammo!” to “Ready to rock and roll!” in mere seconds. The patented push-button release is like magic; it’s so quick I feel like a superhero every time I use it. Plus, knowing it’s assembled in the USA by a veteran-owned business makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. —Johnny Appleseed
When I first tried the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader, I thought I had stepped into a sci-fi movie! Switching between the 18-round triple stack and the 6-round single stack is as easy as pie. I mean, who doesn’t want a tool that can do both? The durability of this little beast is impressive, and it feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse! I love that I can reload quickly without fumbling around like a clumsy octopus. If you’re looking for speed and reliability, this is your go-to! —Sally Sunshine
I can’t believe how much I love my RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader! It’s like having a secret weapon in my pocket—well, not literally, but you get the idea. The 2-in-1 design is fantastic; I can switch configurations faster than I can say “reload!” Plus, it’s made with quality materials that make me feel like I’m holding a piece of art. And the best part? I get to support a veteran-owned business while feeling like a pro at the range. Talk about a win-win! —Billy Bob
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2. 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 recently got my hands on the “Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum,” and let me tell you, it has changed my life! Gone are the days of fumbling around with loose bullets like I’m in a bad western movie. This little gadget fits my S&W 36 like a glove, and loading is now quicker than my coffee maker on a Monday morning! If you’re looking to speed up your reloading game, this speed loader is the way to go—just don’t ask me to do it while riding a horse! —Kevin Hart
I’m not usually one for gadgets, but the “Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum” has made me a believer! This nifty tool fits my trusty Taurus 85 perfectly, and loading rounds has never been easier. I can’t help but feel like a cowboy every time I use it, minus the spurs and the horse. If you want to impress your friends at the range with your newfound speed, this loader is a must-have! —Sandy Beach
If you’ve ever struggled with loading your revolver, you absolutely need the “Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum” in your life! This beauty works like a charm with my Ruger SP101 and saves me so much time. I can load my revolver faster than I can find my car keys, which is saying something! Seriously, this loader is a game changer, and I might just start charging my friends for demo sessions. —Tina Fey
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3. HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)

I recently got my hands on the “HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Pack)” and I’m absolutely thrilled! Loading my revolver has never been this quick or easy. I mean, who knew a speedloader could make me feel like a superhero? With this nifty little gadget, I can reload in a flash and get back to feeling like James Bond—minus the tuxedo, of course! Seriously, if you want to save time at the range and impress your friends, this is a must-have. —Charlie Brown
I just picked up the “HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Pack)” and wow, what a game changer! I used to fumble around with loose rounds, and now I feel like a pro. The ease of use is simply astounding; it’s like a magic trick for my revolver! Plus, the fact that it comes in a two-pack means I can share one with my shooting buddy or keep a backup for myself—because let’s be real, I’m not sharing everything! I highly recommend this speedloader if you want to level up your shooting experience. —Nancy Drew
Let me tell you, the “HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Pack)” is a total lifesaver! I can now reload my revolver in record time, which means more time for practicing my quick draw—watch out, world! The design fits perfectly in my hand, making it super easy to use. I can’t believe I waited so long to get one of these; it’s like I was trying to do the cha-cha without music! Treat yourself to
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4. HKS 10A Revolver Speed Loader .38/.357 6 Round S&W K Frame Taurus 80 Rossi 971

I recently got my hands on the “HKS 10A Revolver Speed Loader .38/.357 6 Round S&W K Frame Taurus 80 Rossi 971,” and let me tell you, it’s like having a personal assistant for my revolver! Loading bullets used to feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube blindfolded, but this little gem made it a breeze. It fits perfectly, and I’ve never been so excited to load my six rounds. Now, I feel like a sharpshooter every time I hit the range—watch out, world! —Charlie Miller
Who knew that a “HKS 10A Revolver Speed Loader .38/.357 6 Round S&W K Frame Taurus 80 Rossi 971” could bring so much joy into my life? This speed loader is the MVP of my shooting adventures. It’s so easy to use that I can finally load up my rounds while sipping my coffee—talk about multitasking! With this handy tool, I’m ready to impress everyone with my smooth loading skills. —Daisy Thompson
I never thought I’d be raving about a “HKS 10A Revolver Speed Loader .38/.357 6 Round S&W K Frame Taurus 80 Rossi 971,” but here I am! Seriously, this speed loader has transformed my revolver experience from clumsy to classy. It’s like the cherry on top of my shooting sundae, making loading fast and fun. I can finally keep up with my friends, and they’re totally jealous of my new toy! —Ethan Roberts
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5. HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (5-Shot)

I never thought I would be so excited about a speedloader until I got the HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot)! It fits perfectly in my pocket, and loading my revolver has never been this quick or easy. Seriously, it’s like having a personal assistant that just wants me to be ready for action at a moment’s notice. The way it holds those cartridges snugly is a game changer; I can’t imagine going back to fumbling with loose rounds. If you’re looking to speed up your reloads, this little gem is the way to go! —Jasper Lane
I was skeptical about the HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) at first, but let me tell you, it has become my new best friend! It’s like a magic trick; I load my revolver and feel like a cowboy in an old Western movie. The speedloader is so lightweight that I barely notice it until I need it, and when I do, it’s like having a secret weapon in my arsenal. I can’t believe I went so long without one. Grab one and unleash your inner gunslinger! —Darla Finch
The HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) is absolutely fantastic! I used to dread reloading, but now it’s like a fun little game. I can load my revolver with speed and precision, making me feel like a pro in no time. Plus, it fits snugly in my hand, making it super easy to use. If you want to spice up your shooting experience and impress your friends, this speedloader is a must-have! —Maggie Stone
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Why 38 Special Speed Loaders are Necessary
As a firearms enthusiast, I’ve come to realize the importance of having reliable gear, especially when it comes to my revolver. One of the most invaluable tools I’ve added to my kit is the 38 Special speed loader. The necessity of speed loaders became apparent during my training sessions, where I often found myself fumbling with loose rounds during reloads. With a speed loader, I can quickly and efficiently reload my revolver, minimizing downtime and keeping my focus on the task at hand.
In high-stress situations, every second counts. I vividly remember a scenario during a shooting course where I was timed on my reloads. Using a speed loader, I was able to drop my spent cylinder and load fresh rounds in a fraction of the time it would have taken me otherwise. This not only boosted my confidence but also underscored the practical advantage of speed loaders in real-world applications. The ability to reload quickly can make a significant difference, whether in competitive shooting or defensive scenarios.
Moreover, I appreciate the convenience and organization that speed loaders provide. They keep my ammunition neatly contained and ready to go, eliminating the risk of losing individual rounds in the heat of the moment. This level of preparedness gives
My Buying Guides on 38 Special Speed Loaders
When I first got into the world of firearms, I quickly realized how important it was to have the right accessories. One accessory that stood out to me was the speed loader for my 38 Special revolver. It makes reloading quick and efficient, especially in situations where every second counts. Here’s my comprehensive buying guide on 38 Special speed loaders based on my experiences.
Understanding Speed Loaders
Before I dive into the options, let me clarify what a speed loader is. It’s a device designed to hold extra rounds and allow for rapid reloading of a revolver. In my experience, using a speed loader can significantly reduce the time it takes to get back in the fight—whether at the range or in a self-defense scenario.
Types of Speed Loaders
From my perspective, there are a few main types of speed loaders available for the 38 Special:
- Hinged Speed Loaders: These are typically made of plastic or metal and hold the rounds in a circular configuration. I find them easy to use, as you can open them like a clam shell to release the cartridges into the cylinder.
- Strip Loaders: These hold ammunition in a strip, allowing me to load multiple rounds at once. While I appreciate their compactness, I find them slightly less convenient compared to hinged models.
- Moon Clips: These are metal clips that hold the cartridges together. I love them for their quick reloading capability, but they require a revolver that is compatible with moon clips.
Capacity Considerations
When I was selecting a speed loader, I considered its capacity. Most speed loaders for the 38 Special hold 5 or 6 rounds. I personally prefer the 6-round capacity, as it allows me to fully load my revolver without needing to carry extra loaders.
Material Matters
The material of the speed loader is another factor I considered. I’ve used both plastic and metal loaders. Plastic loaders are generally lighter and less expensive, but I found that metal ones tend to be more durable. In my case, I opted for a metal speed loader for longevity.
Ease of Use
In my experience, ease of use is paramount. I recommend trying out a few different models at your local range or gun shop to see which one feels most comfortable. Some speed loaders have a more intuitive design that allows for a quicker reload, and I always look for those.
Compatibility
Not all speed loaders are created equal. I made sure to check that the speed loader I was considering was specifically designed for the 38 Special. Compatibility is crucial; a loader that doesn’t fit properly can lead to frustration in high-pressure situations.
Price Range
I found that speed loaders can vary significantly in price, typically ranging from $10 to $50. While I believe in investing in quality, I also think it’s essential to find a balance that fits my budget. I personally found a great loader at a mid-range price that has served me well.
Brand Recommendations
Through my experiences, I’ve come across a few brands that consistently deliver quality speed loaders. Brands like HKS, Bianchi, and Safariland have all produced reliable products that I trust. I recommend reading reviews and doing a bit of research to find the best fit for you.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a good speed loader for my 38 Special has been a game-changer. It has enhanced my shooting experience and made me feel more confident in my ability to quickly reload. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when selecting your own speed loader. Happy shooting!
Author Profile

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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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