How do speed loaders work?

H

Henry Baker

New member
I've seen and heard of speed loaders for revolvers quite a bit. How do they work though? Do they have to be for your specific model of gun? Does the gun have to be built to accept them? Also, do they work well or is it one more useless accessorie?

Thanks
Henry Baker
 
A speedloader holds six (five) cartridges in alignment at the same spacing as the chambers of your revolver cylinder. Just poke all six rounds into the chambers at the same time and, depending on the brand of speedloader, either twist a knob about 60 degrees, or just push hard to unlatch the cartridges and let them all fall into the chambers at the same time.
Speedloader is specific to the make and model gun with some overlap. No modifications to the gun required except that the left side grip must clear. They are practically essential for competition and for duty by the few LEOs still carrying revolvers. They are a little bulky for John Q Public to carry but they have the advantage of holding a reload in one package. Belt carriers are available and they ride pretty well in a side jacket pocket.
 
Speed Strips

You can also get speed strips (Bianchi is one maker). These hold the rounds in a straight configuration and typically allows you to load two at a time in the cylinder. It takes longer to load, but carries well in a back pocket.

Edit:The link below is where I found my speed strips and a leather pouch that I carry in my back pocket.

http://dillonprecision.com/template/p.cfm?maj=21&min=2&dyn=1&
 
Last edited:
One thing I have found

is that certain revolvers, such as my Smith 337 J-frame does not readily take to speedloaders. Even using the correct HKS it is extremely difficult to load slowly let alone quickly. There's just not enough clearance between the frame and O.D. of the speedloader. Personally, I'm going to take the advice regarding the speed strip.
 
What about star clips?

I've heard about star clips for some revolvers, basically a flat disc that holds 6 rounds and you can load and unload all at once without the release move needed by speedloaders. I'm wanting to say they were popular on Taurus? Does anybody have any experience with these or know which pistols made right now are set up for them?
 
These are called "half Moon" or "full Moon" clips.

These were first used in the Model 1917 Colt and S&W revolvers back in WWI.

These are currently popular with some shooters, BUT the gun must be set up for them, and very few are.
 
I found some...

..NOS Dade speedloaders on ebay that fit my Colt Official Police..there was a little instruction sheet to help achieve fastest, smoothest reloading...like others have said, a little practice and reloading on a six gun is quick....
 
A speedloader holds six (five) cartridges in alignment at the same spacing as the chambers of your revolver cylinder. Just poke all six rounds into the chambers at the same time and, depending on the brand of speedloader, either twist a knob about 60 degrees, or just push hard to unlatch the cartridges and let them all fall into the chambers at the same time.
Speedloader is specific to the make and model gun with some overlap. No modifications to the gun required except that the left side grip must clear. They are practically essential for competition and for duty by the few LEOs still carrying revolvers. They are a little bulky for John Q Public to carry but they have the advantage of holding a reload in one package. Belt carriers are available and they ride pretty well in a side jacket pocket.
Click to expand...

I can only add that HKS makes the 'twist' loaders, and Safariland makes the 'button' ones. I used both kinds extensively when I was a Reserve Deputy. They are quick and efficient.
 
A speed strips sets really well in my jeans "watch" pocket. Thats the little pocket just above the front right hand pocket.. ( for the younger guys that didn't know :D ) Most likely the least used pocket in your pants now days!
CraigJS
 
They are practically essential for competition and for duty by the few LEOs still carrying revolvers
Click to expand...

On that note, I was at Minute Maid Park in Houston about a week ago and noticed a Houston Policeman there wearing a Revolver with a bullet compartment on his belt wiht the bullets lined up along the inside of the case in front of his holster. HE WAS NOT WEARING SPEEDLOADERS.
 
Well, they are kind of bulky. He was giving up his hope of a timely reload for comfort.
The horizontal magazine pouches for duty autopistol rigs show the same attitude. I have seen otherwise proficient LEOs struggling with those things.
 
full moon clips

These are called "half Moon" or "full Moon" clips.
.....................
These are currently popular with some shooters, BUT the gun must be set up for them, and very few are.
-------------------------------------------------------------

I wonder in what way does a gun need to be set up for those clips?

Thanks.
 
Nearly all revolvers chambered for rimless autopistol cartridges are intended for use with clips, full-, half-, or 1/3 moon as you like.

If you want to load rimmed revolver cartridges like .38/.357 or .44 with clips, the rear of the cylinder must be machined down for clearance. And you have to use compatible brass, i.e., not Winchester. Most are milled to leave some original surface so you can use unclipped ammo but I had one done by RPM that did not and had to have clips. Stupid. I bought a new cylinder for that one. Lots of information at
http://moonclips.com/
 
DSC00287.jpg


Pictured above is the Safariland Comp I speedloader (small knob), Comp II speedloader (large knob), and Bianchi speed strip (foreground).

The Safariland loaders are a push design. The retention device of the loader engages against the cylinder star and drops the shells into the revolver.

Hope the pic clarifies things a bit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top