what speed loader for LCR 357

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Doc Holliday 1950

New member
I'm having a tough time with finding the proper speedloader for my 357 LCR. Has anyone any good experience finding one and which one is it? My LCR has CT laser grips.
Thanks in advance for any and all posts.
Respectfully,
Doc
 
I'm using the HKS 5 round model 36 and it works great.
But found that you need to not try and sind the speed loader too far in.
Just get the rounds started in and drop works best.
 
When I had my LCR 357, I used what HighValleyRanch is using. It's been a while but I think I had to sort of "angle" the loader just a tad, get the slugs lined up and in to the chambers a bit and then drop.

I'm 62 and have the "manual dexterity" of a 62 Y.O. (or older). :eek: My problem with the HKS was learning not to move the knurled release BEFORE I had the cartridges lined up. I practiced and practiced and finally got it down . . . but I'm not going to tell you how many I dumped on the floor before I finally got my act together! LOL

I like the speed loaders but don't like how they carry on the belt (sticking out in either a leather or nylon pouch). I also have some "speed strips" which work pretty well. Now, when I carry my Smith Model 36 or similar, I use the old style "dump pouch". Not "high tech" but it works for me and with practice, I can reload fairly fast. If I remember correctly, you are former LEO (?) so you can imagine a number of SD (scenarios) and having to "re-load". I guess a person just hopes that 5 are enough? I feel comfortable with that in most situations where I am out and about.

We winter in southern AZ and are only about 49 miles north of the Border - lots of bad things go on. If we are going to be out, especially on less populated roads or areas - I carry my Ruger SR9. Something about a double stack magazine and a couple of spares just makes a person feel more confident?

Sounds like you are getting "set up" with a nice revolver - you are going to love that LCR. There are times that I regret trading mine off! Good luck! :)
 
I use the HKS loader in my LCR357. I put the bullets in just until the bullet itself is in the Cylinder and maybe just a fraction of the Brass. Then I turn the nob and jiggle it a bit so the bullets drop in. It my sound weird but, I just practiced it today at the Range and it worked well. Just takes practice. I do not have Lazor Grips I have the Tamer Grips.
 
HKS mod.36 -5shot

Doc,spent time this am with my LCR 38 and an HKS 36 5 shot speedloader.All posts are exactly right! Final test 20x20 and not a dropped cartridge.
 
Okay everyone. Thanks. I just ordered the HKS 36 for a five shot gun.

Thanks everyone. They were all very good answers. Now if I only had
the LCR 357 mag, I'd be a happy camper. I had to send my wife's brand new never shot
LCR back to Ruger because the Crane Latch WILL NOT OPEN. Kind of difficult to load your weapon if you can't get the darn thing to open. Which is another story .Since Ruger has a section that one can write to the CEO, a Mr. Fifer, and I did
so. Can't wait to hear back from Ruger on this one. Should be interesting.
Respectfully,
Doc
 
Doc, you might want to check into speed strips too. Many people find them to be more convenient to carry than a speed loader. There are a couple of Youtube videos that show the difference between using a speed loader and a speed strip.
 
LCR 357 Speed Loader

Doc, carried HKS for a long time until I found 5 Star. The 5 star seems to fit into the cylinder of both the LCR, which my wife carries, and the SP101, which I carry, a little better than the HKS especially if you have Houge grips.
 
^^^^^^^^
I am a convert. Just got my 5 star LCR speed loader and have to admit that it works much better than the HKS.
For one, the HKS works but does not go in all the way, so you have to dump just as you enter.
The 5 star is made smaller for the LCR and slides perfectly straight in, and had clearance on the Hogue grips to boot. Because it goes straight in all the way, it is more postive on the release.

I did end up with the reverse release, counter clockwise and have to see if I can adjust to that or order one like the HKS, but the release is smooth.

I know there have been comments about the rounds being loose fitting in the star loader, but they are more secure feeling than the HKS which if pulled up with the knob could result in ammo dumping into the pouch, but haven't found any of that with the star.

And being smaller, fits into my split belt pouch easier and pulls out easier.
 
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