For the 5-shot 38/357 J-Frame cylinder, from those that have tried and compared the different makes of speed loaders, - What worked best?

Looking for comparisons of HKS, Safariland Comp I, and 5-Star brands of speed loaders.

My only experience is with the N-Frame Safariland Comp I. I like the "just push" feature to release the rounds. HKS has been around forever but have not tried them. Not familiar with 5-Star. Thanks for your replies.

I like 5 Star. They are very trim which helps them clear the grips better than Safariland or HKS.

I like the HKS. I do not like the Safariland.

I've used both HKS and Safariland Comp I speedloaders. I much prefer the Comp I. It's easier to use under stress; simply push on it and the loads drop into the chambers. Also, for anyone who practices one-handed reloads, I found that twisting the knob on the HKS would just rotate the cylinder and not release rounds unless you have some way of holding the cylinder in place.

However, if you're a fan of Split-Six-type speedloader pouches, the Comp I may not be the best choice as the release mechanism rides on top of the belt. While it hasn't happened to me, enough pressure on top of the pouch could cause the rounds to be released.

They also may not clear some grips. HKS may have an edge there. If that was an issue for me, I'd rather change or modify the grips to clear the Comp I than switch to HKS.

I don't have any experience with 5-Star.

HKS have served me well for many years....

Randy

I use and really like the Jet Loader imported from Austria. Secure and very fast. Carried with a Bianchi Speed Strip, my bases are covered. Just wish they would make one for my favorite CCW revolver... Colt Detective Special (last model with the shrouded ejector barrel lug). I use a Safariland Comp 1 for that need.

Have only used the HKS, never a problem.

Probably can't go wrong with any of the choices listed. I like Safariland for the spring loaded feature...

I've tried both HKS and Safariland, and much prefer the push release mechanism on the Safariland

I have a couple of the Biancchi Speedstrips, and have been thinking about a speedloader. Based on this thread, I found a Speed Beez S&W 38/357 Magnum J Frame 5 Shot Loading Block and Case Speed Loader SBC Value Pack (whew, that's a mouthful) that I purchased. This should make my time at the range more about shooting than reloading!

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Eschew Obfuscation.

I've always been partial to HKS. I've seen Safariland explode more than once when the release mechanism on the "just push" part fails . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I'm partial to Safariland COMP-1s. I've used them for years and carry them on my belt using their split five holders; not once have I ever had one release rounds when I didn't want them to.

Are they a pain to load? Yes, but once you get the hang of it, they hold the rounds very securely.

If I ever find myself needing to reload under stress, I feel that the simplified function of the COMP-1 is an asset compared to twist-knob style speedloaders.

This is the method I practice and use:

I bought an HKS speedloader from my 642.

Under absolutely ideal conditions, it takes me 7 seconds to reload. Too long to be of any value. Speed is relative.

I have HKS speedloaders for my Colt Trooper MKIII, my K38s, my N frames and my Model 36-6. I have also used a Safariland Comp I with my K38s. Ninety nine percent of my speedloader use has been on the PPC range.

When I use the Safariland, I can easily reload my wadcutter ammunition, because the Safariland eliminates most of, if not all, of the cartridge jiggle. However, I have dumped loads with the Safariland before the cartridges were lined up with the charge holes. On the flip side, when I use my HKS speedloaders, as long as my ammo has a semblance of a nose, the ammo lines up and reloads easily. I have never prematurely dumped my reloads with the HKS speedloaders.

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Judge control not gun control!

That's interesting. I've never had that happen. My technique involves grabbing my loader with my finger tips at the bullet noses, with my index finger lined up with one cartridge and my middle finger lined up with the adjacent cartridge. Then I use my index and middle fingers to physically index those bullet noses on 2 adjacent chambers in the cylinder. These 2 rounds act as a kind of "hinge" as the remaining rounds line up before I press on the loader to release the rounds.

My experience with Safariland was uniformly (pun intended) bad 35 years ago when I was issued and ordered to use them. I went through a half dozen trying to find two that would work for qualification. My problem was not premature release - it was getting them to release at all. I carried HKS in my jacket pocket in case I needed a reload and kept the Safarilands in the pouches for inspection.

More recently I bought a Safariland for my J-Frame and found it a vast improvement over the older version, but I have used HKS so long I find myself twisting the knob on the Safariland.

Whatever you get, practice with it until it is second nature.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I have used both the HKS and Safariland. If your priority is appearance and durability get the HKS. If your priority is to rapidly load your firearm when fractions of a second may mean the difference between life and death get the Safariland. Needless to say, I no longer own HKS speedloaders.

I've not used the 5-Star, so can't compare them with the HKS or Safariland

I got HKS and Safariland both. My daily carry are a pair of old Miami Dade Screw I lucked up on years ago. Try them or better try to find one

Thanks for your replies, everyone. Doing further research, it appears the most sought after speed loader is the S L Variant, made in Germany by Longwitz. Currently out of production and was sold by BobbyMac. Some day they may come back.

Design looks perfect. Fairly compact and with a spring under every round, they push the rounds into the chambers. Designed a better mouse trap but then they become unavailable.

Thanks for your replies, everyone. Doing further research, it appears the most sought after speed loader is the S L Variant, made in Germany by Longwitz. Currently out of production and was sold by BobbyMac. Some day they may come back.

Design looks perfect. Fairly compact and with a spring under every round, they push the rounds into the chambers. Designed a better mouse trap but then they become unavailable.