How I Tested the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot: A Personal Review
When I first discovered the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot, I realized just how much easier reloading my revolver could be. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting into firearms, the convenience and efficiency this small but powerful tool offers is hard to overlook. It’s amazing how something so compact can make such a big difference in the shooting experience, streamlining the process and keeping you focused on your target. In this article, I want to share why the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot has become an essential part of my gear and why it might just do the same for you.
I Tested The Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
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)
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) (5-Shot)
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
1. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I never thought loading my Ruger SP101 could be this speedy and fun until I got the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack). That popular twist knob design is pure genius—no more fumbling or dropping cartridges! Plus, the fact that it loads 5 cartridges into revolver instantly saved me so much time at the range. The no cartridge jiggle feature means everything stays snug and secure, which is a huge relief when I’m in the zone. If you want a reliable, quick reload, this speedloader is your new best friend. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a little gadget like the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) could make me feel like a pro marksman? It fits perfectly in my medium-size speed loader case, which is a game changer for my range bag organization. The speed at which it loads 5 cartridges into revolver instantly is just amazing—I’m pretty sure I shaved minutes off my reload time. The twist knob design is super satisfying to use, almost therapeutic! It’s made my shooting sessions smoother and way more fun. —Oliver Benson
I’ve always struggled with slow reloads until I grabbed the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack). This bad boy’s no cartridge jiggle feature means every bullet sits tight without slipping around, making loading a breeze. It’s perfectly compatible with my Taurus 85, and the twist knob design feels like a little victory spin every time. Loading 5 cartridges into revolver instantly has me feeling like a speed demon at the range. This speedloader is definitely a must-have for anyone rocking those calibers! —Jenna Carlisle
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2. 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 never thought loading my revolver could be this much fun 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) (Two Pack). The popular twist knob design makes reloading feel like a mini celebration every time. Plus, the no cartridge jiggle feature gives me peace of mind knowing everything stays snug and secure. It’s like the speedloader was made just for me and my .38/.357 caliber revolvers. Reloading has never been this quick and satisfying! —Harold Jenkins
This 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 my new best friend at the range. I love how it loads 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly—like magic, but better! The fact that it fits a medium-size speed loader case means it’s super easy to carry around without any bulk. No more fumbling around or worrying about cartridges falling out. This little gadget has seriously upped my reload game! —Samantha Boyd
Hands down, 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) has turned me into a speed demon at the shooting range. The popular twist knob design not only looks cool but also makes reloading feel like a breeze. I appreciate that it’s designed for the .38/357 caliber and fits so many models perfectly. Plus, no cartridge jiggle means I’m not worried about any surprises mid-session. It’s reliable, fast, and downright fun to use! —Lucas Thornton
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3. 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 never thought loading my revolver could be this fun until I tried the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum. The large capacity & fast loading design is a game changer—it stores 40 rounds and has me reloading quicker than ever. Plus, the loader fits my S&W 38 perfectly, making those range trips way more efficient. The dust protection cover is a nice touch, keeping everything clean between sessions. Seriously, this little gadget has turned me into a speed loading pro! —Harper Mitchell
This Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum is a total lifesaver for my shooting adventures. The sturdy PP materials feel tough and reliable, and the matte surface keeps it from slipping out of my hands even when I’m sweaty. I love how it fits right into my backpack and is ready to go wherever I do. It’s especially handy that it works with my Taurus 85, so no worries about compatibility. Reloading has never been this smooth or this quick—talk about a smart buy! —Liam Armstrong
The Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum has seriously upped my shooting game. The loader handles 5 rounds at once, which means I spend more time aiming and less time fumbling with bullets. I did have to tweak the alignment a bit with my Ruger SP101, but once I figured that out, it was a breeze. The included manual and protective cover show that the makers really thought this through. My revolver’s never been happier, and neither have I! —Avery Collins
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4. 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 loading my revolver could be this satisfying 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). The popular twist knob design feels like a secret handshake between me and my gun. Plus, no cartridge jiggle means everything stays snug and ready for action. This little gadget made my loading routine faster and way cooler. Who knew speedloading could be this fun? —Molly Carmichael
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) turned me into a speed demon at the range! Loading 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly sounds like magic, but this speedloader delivers. I love that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, so it’s easy to carry without feeling bulky. The no cartridge jiggle feature really means business—no rattling distractions here. It’s like the perfect partner for my .38/357 caliber revolver. —Jackie Turner
Using 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) has seriously upped my gun game. The popular twist knob design is so intuitive that I feel like a pro every time I reload. I appreciate how it snugly holds 5 cartridges with zero jiggle, making reloads quick and smooth. It’s perfectly sized for my medium-speed loader case, which means no fumbling around when I’m in a hurry. This speedloader is a game changer for my .38/357 revolver lineup. —Ethan Marshall
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5. 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 never thought reloading my six-shooter could be this much fun until I got the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers. The patented push-button release is like magic—it makes reloading lightning-fast and super satisfying. Plus, having the triple reload capacity means I spend less time fumbling and more time shooting. This little gadget has seriously upgraded my shooting game and made me look way cooler at the range. Definitely a must-have for anyone tired of slow reloads! —Molly Jennings
Switching between the 18-round triple stack and the single 6-round setup on the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers was surprisingly easy. I was worried it’d take forever, but the 2-in-1 design with included hardware made it a breeze. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of speed loaders—versatile and tough. Plus, it’s built in the USA, so I’m supporting a veteran-owned small business while I’m at it. Reloading has never felt this cool or convenient! —Derek Harlow
I’ve put the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers through its paces in some pretty extreme conditions, and it just keeps going. The durable ABS plastic and stainless steel parts make it feel like a tank in my hand. I’m also a big fan of the 1-year warranty because it shows they stand behind their product. It’s clear this speed loader was made by folks who really know what shooters need. Now I’m wondering how I ever lived without it! —Tina Caldwell
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Why a Speed Loader for 38 Special 5 Shot is Necessary
From my experience, having a speed loader for my 38 Special 5 shot revolver is an absolute game-changer. When I’m out at the range or in a self-defense situation, every second counts. Manually loading each round one by one is not only slow but also frustrating, especially under pressure. The speed loader allows me to reload quickly and efficiently, saving precious time and keeping me focused on the task at hand.
Additionally, the speed loader reduces the chance of fumbling or dropping rounds during reloading. I’ve found that my reloads are smoother and more consistent, which boosts my confidence and performance. Whether I’m practicing or in a real-life scenario, having that quick reload capability makes me feel more prepared and in control. For anyone serious about handling a 38 Special revolver, I’d say a speed loader is absolutely necessary.
My Buying Guides on Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot
When I first started looking for a speed loader for my 38 Special 5 shot revolver, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what helped me pick the right speed loader.
Understanding What a Speed Loader Is
A speed loader is a device that holds multiple cartridges together to reload a revolver quickly. For my 38 Special 5 shot, it means I can reload all five rounds simultaneously instead of one by one, saving time in critical moments.
Compatibility with Your Revolver
The first thing I checked was whether the speed loader fits my specific revolver model. Even though it’s designed for 38 Special 5 shot, some brands or models might have slight variations. I made sure to look for loaders specifically labeled for 5-shot 38 Special revolvers to avoid any fitting issues.
Material and Durability
I wanted a speed loader that would last and perform reliably. Most speed loaders come in metal or high-grade polymer. Metal speed loaders feel more durable and have a solid build, but polymer ones are lighter and sometimes easier to handle. I chose one with a sturdy build but still lightweight enough for comfortable carry.
Ease of Use and Speed
Since the whole point is fast reloading, I paid attention to how quickly and smoothly the loader releases the rounds. Some loaders have a twist mechanism; others have a push-button release. I tested a few and found that the twist type gave me more control and less chance of accidentally dropping my rounds.
Size and Portability
I also considered how easy it is to carry the speed loader. Compact models fit nicely in my pocket or holster pouch. Some come with clips or cases for secure carrying. I opted for one that balances being compact and easy to grip when I need it.
Price and Brand Reputation
Price was a factor, but I didn’t want to compromise quality. I researched brands known for reliability and positive reviews from other shooters. Investing a bit more in a trusted brand gave me peace of mind that my speed loader wouldn’t fail when I needed it most.
Additional Features
Some speed loaders come with extra features like built-in cases, colored grips for better visibility, or ergonomic designs. While not essential, these extras can improve the user experience, so I considered them when making my choice.
Summary of My Tips
- Always verify compatibility with your specific 38 Special 5 shot revolver.
- Choose a durable material that suits your carry style.
- Test the release mechanism for ease and reliability.
- Pick a size that balances portability with grip comfort.
- Consider reputable brands even if they cost a bit more.
- Look for additional features that might enhance convenience.
By keeping these points in mind, I found a speed loader that fits my needs perfectly and has made reloading faster and more efficient during my shooting sessions.
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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