Speedloader ease of use?

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Naphtali

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I do not own a Ruger SP101, nor do I know anyone who owns one. I have tried using a speedloader with my S&W 640-1 revolver. In addition to having difficulty opening its cylinder because of bad hands plus being left-handed, the speedloader I tried was very picky on positioning it for use.

Among the threads comparing "J" frames and SP101s, I notice that the entire revolver is substantially larger. Because of its larger cylinder frame cut-out and cylinder diameter, is the SP101 significantly easier or more forgiving in its use of speedloaders?
 
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I used speed loaders in competition for awhile. I found them difficult to use mainly because my hands were shaking so much. I found it easier & faster to grab another loaded revolver than to reload.
Beruisis
 
Sir,

I have no experience with the Smith Js, so I can't provide you with the comparison you're seeking. But the SP101 is my carry piece and I have been practicing the use of a speedloader with it for some time. I currently use the HKS brand, and it isn't the handiest/fastest thing made. However I've found with practice that I've become a great deal faster with it than I was at first. It's like a lot of activities: the more frequently one does them, the more proficient one becomes. However, I am right-handed and have no arthritis or other problem with my hands and fingers. The latter in particular makes things considerably more difficult, I would imagine.

To answer your question more directly, there isn't much space for the loader along the side of the revolver. The cylinder has to be positioned properly to get the job done, and the sweet spot isn't very large. It's largely a matter of getting used to it.

If I were to do it over, I would probably get a jet loader or some other type, which forces the cartridges into the cylinder rather than dropping them in as the HKS does. I'm guessing that this would improve things considerably.

Best wishes in your search for a solution,
Andy
 
I really like the Safariland Comp II loaders for my k frames. They don't seem to make them for the j-frame. HKS loaders work ok, but the release does not feel as positive to me. I have to take greater care to ensure the rounds don't come back out with the speed loader. Either works much better than speed strips or loose rounds for me.

The type of bullet can impact how ease they are to use. Round nose bullets go in easiest (not great for defense though). Stay away from semi-wadcutters as they hang. The Hornady defensive rounds go in nicely.
 
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Many thanks for your clear reply. That the jet loader may achieve more nearly trouble free loading I must investigate. I'm unfamiliar with it, but the idea of getting tactile feedback during, what for me, is fumbling around may be a workable device. As it stands, I'm a 5-shot user. My 2x2x2 carriers are little more than a "Potemkin" device.
snowman said:
Sir,

I have no experience with the Smith Js, so I can't provide you with the comparison you're seeking. But the SP101 is my carry piece and I have been practicing the use of a speedloader with it for some time. I currently use the HKS brand, and it isn't the handiest/fastest thing made. However I've found with practice that I've become a great deal faster with it than I was at first. It's like a lot of activities: the more frequently one does them, the more proficient one becomes. However, I am right-handed and have no arthritis or other problem with my hands and fingers. The latter in particular makes things considerably more difficult, I would imagine.

To answer your question more directly, there isn't much space for the loader along the side of the revolver. The cylinder has to be positioned properly to get the job done, and the sweet spot isn't very large. It's largely a matter of getting used to it.

If I were to do it over, I would probably get a jet loader or some other type, which forces the cartridges into the cylinder rather than dropping them in as the HKS does. I'm guessing that this would improve things considerably.

Best wishes in your search for a solution,
Andy
Click to expand...
 
Back in my younger days when I practiced. I was very close to reloading along with the auto loaders. A 686 is much easier to reload with a speed loader than a J frame.
 
Using an HKS Speedloader requires regular practice. I was using one during LEOSA qualification a few years ago but had not practiced w/it in awhile. When I went to grab one off my belt I twisted the knob by mistake and six rounds spilled onto the ground and I was left w/an empty Model 10 when the target turned away from me. Embarrassing to say the least.
 
I like Safariland Comp I speedloaders for my J-frame because they're very easy to operate and hold the rounds securely. I believe they're compatible with the SP101.

You might want to see if you can find SL Variant speedloaders. I've always wanted to try them but they can be hard to find. They're like the Jetloader in that the rounds are driven into the chambers by a spring. However, there are also adjustments you can make regarding round spacing and angle, IIRC, to help fit the rounds to the chambers.

You may also want to look at how you're grabbing the speedloaders. When I grab my speedloaders my finger tips are at the bullet noses. I find this helps me grab the speedloader more securely and helps with aligning the rounds with the chamber mouths. My index and middle finger tips are at the bullet noses of 2 adjacent rounds when I grab the loader. Then I just get those finger tips onto 2 adjacent chamber mouths, guide the rounds under my fingertips into those chambers, and the rest of the rounds should line up with their respective chambers.
 
This is the best description of how to use a speed loader I've ever seen:



Naphtali said:
I do not own a Ruger SP101, nor do I know anyone who owns one.
Click to expand...
The SP101 is only a little larger than a J-Frame. The GP100 is much easier to use with a speed loader.

When using a speed loader, it is valuable to also carry speed strips. Can't do a tactical reload with a speed loader.

Ultimately moon clips are the way to go if you really want to be quick.
 
I've owned both those models and they used the same HKS speed loader, at least the same one worked on both revolvers for me. It does take a lot of practice to do it quickly. You being left handed may be what is really slowing you down. Maybe you could sell off the 640 and try a left-handed Charter Arms. They're the only one I know of that makes left-handed revolvers.
 
Aloha,

I used to shoot IPSC with a M-57 or 58.

I used HKS loaders exclusively.

Yes, the bullets do rattle around but they do Not fall out.

My chambers were all chamfered so the bullets, even semi wadcutters

usually slide in with no problems.

In order to get good, you MUST PRACTICE a LOT.

Get so you can do it in the dark with your eyes closed.

A matter of repetition, Lots of it.

Draw, fire, empty and reload in smooth motions.

Harry Callahan carries 3 speed loaders

Course, any steel plate tagged by a 41 or 44 mag usually goes down fast.
 
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