I have heard the argument for loading 6 in the strip with a J Frame. I don't do anything without a reason.

This is why I load only 5 in my J Frame strips:

1. I routinely pack a 6 shot 357 or the 5 shot 38. I have loaded strips for both in the drawer. With 5 in the 38 units I can instantly ID which to grab on my way out the door.

2. I have fat fingers and the extra room afforded by the empty space helps me in manipulating them during the reloading process.

3. I am conscious of the weight of the extra gear I am packing. Two loaded rounds of ammo (I usually carry a pair of strips) isn't much, but I like to shed every ounce I can. When packing the J Frame that means I am going light weight on gun because I am also going LW on dress so I don't want to carry more than necessary.

The truth is that I doubt reloading would be an issue. Statistics show that 99% of the time criminals are fleeing after one shot fired by a citizen. The average person is highly unlikely to get into a firefight requiring a reload under pressure.