"On hand" I have an average of four speed loaders each for J frame, K frame, and L frame revolvers plus an equal number for my .22LR Model 17, and my Service and Security Sixes.

That's largely based on being able to carry 3 speed loaders on practical pistol shoots, and having one more to load the revolver - since I practice a tactical reload during every reload.

I also have a couple speed strips each in 5, 6 and 7 shot sizes.

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"On me" I usually carry a speed strip in the summer and a speed loader in the winter, when I'm usually wearing a vest.

The fact of the matter though is that it serves mostly as something to keep my hands busy, rather than in any expectation of ever needing it.

The statistics on self defense loads over whelming indicate that the odds of ever needing more than 5 rounds in an armed citizen self defense shoot are exceedingly remote. I still practice with a speed loader, but that's just to maintain a skill, and because I enjoy being able to shoot clean or nearly clean scores on pistol Q courses using a revolver.