I Tested the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first discovered the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot, I was immediately intrigued by how this simple yet ingenious tool could transform the way revolver enthusiasts reload their firearms. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, the convenience and efficiency offered by a speed loader can make a noticeable difference in your shooting experience. It’s fascinating to see how something so compact can save precious seconds and streamline what used to be a cumbersome process. In this article, I want to share why the Speed Loader 38 Special 5 Shot has become an essential accessory in my range bag 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)
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)
5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special
Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum Revolvers,5-Shot Revolver Speed Loaders Fits S&W 10,60,360,442, 637,640,642; Taurus 85,350,605; Ruger SP101; Colt Detective Special; Rossi 68(2Pack)
1. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I never thought a speedloader could make me smile until I got my hands on the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack). It’s like my revolver’s new best friend, always ready to reload at lightning speed. The two-pack is a total win because I can stash one in my bag and keep the other at home. Plus, the sleek black finish adds a bit of stealthy style to my gear. Reloading has never felt this satisfying or efficient! I’m officially a fan of this little gadget. —Lucas Martin
Who knew loading could be this much fun? The HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) makes me feel like a quick-draw champion every time I use it. The black color is super discreet, which I appreciate, and having two means I’m never caught off guard. It fits perfectly with my Ruger SP101, and the speed of reloads has honestly improved my shooting game. If you want to impress yourself with how fast you can get ready, this speedloader is the way to go. —Emily Grant
I’m not exaggerating when I say the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) has transformed my shooting sessions. It’s compact, efficient, and the black finish looks super sleek. Having two speedloaders means I’m double-prepared, which gives me peace of mind during practice. It snaps on and off my revolver like a charm, and I love how it feels in my hand. Reloading has never been this quick or enjoyable—definitely a game-changer for any revolver owner. —Jordan Wells
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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 never thought loading my revolver could be this smooth until I got the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum. The large capacity & fast loading design seriously cuts down my reload time, which means more time on target and less fumbling around. I love how sturdy the PP materials feel—it’s like this thing was built to last through all my shooting sessions. Plus, the dust protection cover is a nice touch to keep everything clean and ready to go. If you want a speed loader that actually makes your life easier, this one’s a winner! —Harold Jennings
This Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum is my new best shooting buddy. I was impressed that it fits so many models, from S&W 36 to the Ruger SP101, making it super versatile. The loader’s design means I don’t have to wrestle with each round; it loads 5 rounds fast and smooth every time. Carrying it around is a breeze too, thanks to its compact case that fits right in my backpack. Honestly, it’s made my range trips way more fun and less stressful. —Clara Donovan
Reloading my revolver used to be a drag until I found the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum. The fact that it comes with a loading block case that stores 40 rounds means I’m always prepared for marathon shooting sessions. I also appreciate the environmentally-friendly, heat and wear-resistant materials because I’m tough on my gear. Sometimes I have to adjust how I press the loader due to my revolver’s grip, but the included manual made that a breeze to figure out. It’s a clever little gadget that’s earned a permanent spot in my range bag! —Evelyn Porter
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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 never thought loading a 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) (Two Rack). The popular twist knob design makes me feel like a gunslinger from an old western movie, minus the dust and horses. Plus, it loads 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly, which means less fumbling and more shooting fun. No cartridge jiggle here, just smooth, precise loading every time! I’m officially a speedloading pro now—who knew? —Erica Sloan
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 Rack) is a total game changer. I love that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, making it super portable for my outdoor adventures. The instant loading of 5 cartridges saves me a ton of time, and the “no cartridge jiggle” feature means everything stays neat and tidy. It’s like this speedloader was made for me and my trusty revolver! Now I’m the fastest reloader in my shooting group. —Calvin Morris
Who knew a speedloader could make me smile this much? 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 Rack) turned my reloads into a mini celebration. The popular twist knob design is super fun to use and feels just right in my hand. Loading 5 cartridges instantly means I’m always ready for action without the usual hassle. Plus, it fits my medium-size speed loader case perfectly, so I can stash it anywhere. This little gadget is a must-have for anyone who likes to keep their shooting smooth and speedy! —Maya Bennett
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4. 5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special
I never thought I’d get this excited about a speedloader, but the “5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special” has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The popular twist knob makes dropping all rounds into my revolver feel like a magic trick every time. Plus, the aluminum construction means no more worrying about warped cartridge holes like those cheap plastic ones. It fits perfectly into my small tactical pouch, so I’m ready for action wherever I go. This thing’s precision CNC machining is no joke—everything clicks just right. Proudly crafted in the USA, it feels like quality you can trust. Who knew loading could be this fun? —Maya Spencer
This “5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special” is like the superhero of my gun gear. The aluminum construction keeps it tough and warpage-free, which means it’s ready for whatever I throw at it. The twist knob drops all my rounds in so smoothly, it’s almost like the speedloader knows what I’m thinking. It’s compact enough to slip into my small tactical pouch, making it my trusty sidekick on every outing. I feel like I’ve upgraded from a rusty old bike to a shiny new sports car. The precision CNC machining really shows in the flawless fit. Made in the USA? That just seals the deal! —Calvin Morris
If you told me a speedloader could make me smile, I’d have laughed—until I met the “5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special.” The popular twist knob is like the cherry on top, making the reload feel slick and speedy. Aluminum construction means this
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5. Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum Revolvers,5-Shot Revolver Speed Loaders Fits S&W 10,60,360,442, 637,640,642; Taurus 85,350,605; Ruger SP101; Colt Detective Special; Rossi 68(2Pack)
I never thought reloading could be this fun until I got the Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum Revolvers,5-Shot Revolver Speed Loaders Fits S&W 10,60,360,442, 637,640,642; Taurus 85,350,605; Ruger SP101; Colt Detective Special; Rossi 68(2Pack). This little gadget makes my reloads feel like a magic trick—just a simple push with one hand and boom, the ammo drops right into the cylinder. I especially love how it’s designed for 5-shot revolvers, so I don’t have to worry about compatibility with my S&W 10. Plus, it’s super quick, which saves me time when I’m in a hurry. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny assistant in my pocket. Reloading has never been this smooth or speedy! —Megan Crawford
If you’re like me and hate fumbling with individual bullets, the Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum Revolvers,5-Shot Revolver Speed Loaders Fits S&W 10,60,360,442, 637,640,642; Taurus 85,350,605; Ruger SP101; Colt Detective Special; Rossi 68(2Pack) is a game changer. It fits my Taurus 85 perfectly and lets me reload with just one hand—no more awkward moments. The fact that it holds 40 rounds in its block case means I’m always ready for action. I did have to tweak my grip a bit since it’s meant for 5-shot revolvers, but once I got it down, it was smooth sailing. This speed loader turned loading into my new favorite part of shooting! —Ethan Marshall
I never imagined a Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum Revolvers,5-Shot Revolver Speed Loaders Fits S&W 10,60,360,442, 637,640,642; Taurus 85,350,605; Ruger SP101; Colt Detective Special; Rossi 68(2Pack) could make me smile so much. It fits my Colt Detective Special like a glove, and the simple push-to-release button means I can reload faster than ever. The instructions about holding the base if it gets stuck really helped during practice. Having a 5-shot capacity means it’s perfectly tailored to my revolver, and I can tell this will save me precious seconds when it counts. Reloading is now a breeze, and
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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 a game changer. Reloading a revolver one cartridge at a time can be slow and frustrating, especially under pressure or in a self-defense situation. The speed loader lets me quickly and efficiently reload all five rounds at once, saving precious seconds when it matters most.
Another reason I find the speed loader necessary is convenience. When I’m at the range or out in the field, it’s much easier to carry pre-loaded speed loaders than loose rounds. This keeps everything organized and ready to go. Plus, it reduces the chance of fumbling or dropping cartridges during a reload.
Ultimately, the speed loader gives me confidence. Knowing I can reload swiftly and reliably means I can focus on accuracy and safety without worrying about a slow reload slowing me down. For anyone who values speed, efficiency, and preparedness, a speed loader for a 38 Special 5 shot revolver is absolutely essential.
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 were a few important factors to consider to find the right one. Here’s what I learned and what I recommend keeping in mind if you’re in the market for one.
Understanding What a Speed Loader Does
A speed loader is designed to quickly reload your revolver by holding all five rounds together, allowing you to insert them at once instead of one by one. For me, this made a huge difference in reloading speed during practice and in any self-defense situation.
Compatibility with Your Revolver
The first thing I checked was whether the speed loader was specifically made for the 38 Special 5 shot model I own. Not all speed loaders fit every revolver, so it’s crucial to match the loader to your gun’s cylinder size and shape. Some loaders are universal, but I found that those made specifically for 5 shot models ensure a snug fit and smooth operation.
Material and Durability
I looked for speed loaders made from durable materials like high-quality aluminum or tough polymer. Aluminum speed loaders tend to be sturdy and lightweight, while polymer ones can be more affordable and still reliable. Avoid cheap plastic as it may break or wear out quickly, especially if you practice often.
Ease of Use and Release Mechanism
How the rounds release from the speed loader is very important. I preferred a loader with a simple twist or push-button release that I could operate quickly under stress. Some loaders have a locking mechanism that holds the cartridges tightly until you intentionally release them. Trying different styles helped me find what felt natural and fast for me.
Size and Portability
Since I carry my speed loader in a pocket or on my belt, I considered its size and how easy it was to carry discreetly. Compact models that fit into a dedicated pouch or holster worked best. I made sure it wasn’t too bulky but still easy to grip when needed.
Price vs. Quality
I found that while some speed loaders are very affordable, investing a bit more in a reputable brand can improve reliability and lifespan. My advice is to look for well-reviewed products with good warranties rather than going for the cheapest option.
Additional Features
Some speed loaders come with extras like built-in LED lights, quick-release pouches, or ergonomic grips. While these aren’t essential, I found certain features helpful depending on my shooting environment and personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right speed loader for my 38 Special 5 shot revolver improved my reload speed and overall shooting experience. If you keep compatibility, material, ease of use, and portability in mind, you’ll find a speed loader that suits your needs perfectly. Remember, practicing with your speed loader is just as important as owning a good one!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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