I have a 686SSR , my 1st revolver, and i just picked up a couple speed loaders and it seems the cylinder does not swing out enough to make the speed loader a quick reload.
I can force the speed loader in and turn and release but it's far from speed loading

Just the tips of the bullets need to meet (not really go into) the holes in the cylinder. When you turn the knob -- the bullets fall into place.

Try Safariland Comp III speedloaders.

__________________
N.R.A. BENEFACTOR Member

Thanks guys. 1st revolver, 1st speed loader

Joey,

I'm not hip to the grips on your gun, but I have changed grips on guns to facilitate speed loader use.

Mike

It is most likely the grips, you may need to try ones relieved in the area directly behind the cylinder.

Did you buy L-frame speedloaders?

As was mentioned above the twist loaders are not speedy.

Do you have factory rubber grips? New style or old ones?

It has factory grips on it and the loaders are HKS for my model gun

Attached Images

686 smith.jpg (54.4 KB, 44 views)

Just my experience,

Have the cylinder charge holes chamfered, its a small chore easily handled by any decent gunsmith. It just involves barely breaking the edge of the cylinder holes and makes it much easier.

The grips ARE important as others have mentioned. The factory ones look 'okay'.

The speedloader's you chose are important. Safarilands are pretty much the hands down winner. HKS aren't bad once you get the hang of them.

The main thing to remember is, GRAVITY IS YOUR FRIEND. It takes a bit of practice, but do your best to have your barrel pointed downward as much as you can. This goes double for the HKS speedloaders. As others have said, once you feel the bullets have started just twist the button and drop the loader.

Happy shootin',

Murphy

I found that the grip needs to be trimmed to help with HKS loaders. Trim a little at a time untill it fits well and use magic marker to finish it off ,will not even be noticeable.

Practice.

Speedloaders aren't easy.

I presume it is the 6shot and not 7. Either way, Safariland Comp 3, model# J-GL85 Comp lll you can get on Amazon for $17.21 each for the 6 shot. Or, send it of to get it machined for full moon clips.
The moon clips the best way to go. It all depends what you are using the revolver for and how you want it set up. Dump the pretty grips and put on some Hogue rubber grips. The gun pick is prior to its bath but you get the point with the Hogue's.
BTW, Simichrome that you can get at your local Harley Davidson dealer cleans that powder residue in the flutes and whole gun real nice and doesn't clear you sinuses in the process.

Attached Images

Daves Inventory 018.jpg (86.1 KB, 20 views)

JoeyD I have the same gun. In fact I just finished cleaning it after having shot it at the range today. I wanted to complement you on an excellent choice for a first revolver. I just love mine. I shot a box of 38 special and about half a box of 357 Mag through mine today. It's a real nice shooter and for me, the L frame fits my hand the best. I have never shot it with the fancy wood grips it came wearing. I put the rubber grips on for shooting.

I don't have 6 shot speed loaders yet. I have 5 shot for my J frames and 8 shot for my N frames. I will probably get some 5-Star speedloaders for my SSR since 5-Star makes my other speedloaders. I have been very happy with my 5-Stars but on certain grips they do get hung up. That's part of being a revolver shooter is trying different grips until you find one that fits your hand, fits your speed loaders and handles the recoil the way you want. Looks is secondary for me because I love to shoot all my guns. But I do love to look at the forum threads where people post pics of their guns wearing fancy wooden grips.

Keep shooting that baby and you will love it too.

__________________
Accuracy supercedes Speed