J Frame 38 / 357 reloads. How and how many. Speedstrip vs speed loader vs gizmo

[JDinAZ]

How do y’all prefer to carry your j frame 38 or 357 reloads

Speed strip, speed loader, other gizmo

And how many 38/357reloads do you carry for your J frame

When primary carrying my favorite 38 J 438. I carry one reload on a speed strip. When carrying it as a BUG I don’t carry a reload for it, I figure if I exhausted my primary and reloads for it and have to resort to my BUG I should already be in process of exiting the situation.

[yugolovr]

In the summer I pocket carry a 442. I put a speed loader in front of the holster. In the winter I belt carry a 640-1 and then just slip the speed loader in my pocket.

[teletech]

I think one speed strip is about right but would throw a second in a jacket pocket if I had the space.
I haven't had the best luck with speedloaders for the J, it depends a LOT on your stocks/grips and also your bullet profile.
Some of the cool kids carry a different bullet or even with shortened brass for their reloads that is easier to poke in the holes.

[mikerjf]

I have a double speedloader pouch on my belt (pocket gun). I use the “speedloaders” that are round plastic and work like a speed strip. The tab on them is nice for handling.

[326MOD10]

I usually go pocket carry and a speed strip in the cargo pocket below.

I have several speed loaders but the speed strip lays flat so convenient.

Even when I carry a sub-compact semi-auto I usually carry spare mag in a pocket mag holder but in opposite main pocket.

Not sure what the above poster is speaking of in regard to shorter casings, unless he means using .38s in a .357?

I know if using speed loaders you need to get stocks/grips that will work with them.

[Screwball]

I used to carry .38s in HKS speedloaders. For as much as I tried, I felt speedstrips were never efficient as speedloaders. More ways to mess up over five in the cylinder, turn, and release.

With the 9mm, I have to run moonclips. I was worried going into it, but as long as you have a secure way to carry… zero issues. Speed and simplicity make them shine. But invest in a good loader/unloader (recommend BMT).

For reloads, I always have two on me. 9mm or .38… was always two. If I was going on a trip or felt I should carry more, I would toss a third in my pocket. And I also have a spare in my center console of my truck.

[Bill In Texas]

Good question OP. Interesting to see how other folks carry reloads.

For me it depends on where I'm going and what my theat assessment might be. At home or walking around the neighborhood I carry a 642 with one speedstrip. If I'm going out to a place that might be questionable, I'll carry the 642 as a backup and my 640 as a primary with a speedstrip or two.

Even though I have a few speedloaders, I prefer speedstrips just for the ease of carry. I use the orange Tuffstrips that hold 8 rounds and I load them with 6 rounds and leave spaces between every 2 rounds. Loading them this way seems to make reloading easier for me.

[Billylee]

I carry a 642 in a sticky holster in my right front pocket. 3” 36 cross draw on my left hip. Two speed strips in my left front pocket.

[Buford57]

I pocket carry a 642 and carry one speed strip. In jeans the strip rides in the watch pocket, in cargo pants/shorts in the cargo pocket. Dressed up: in the right jacket pocket or a Bianchi belt pouch. I also keep a pair of HKS speedloaders in each vehicle.

[Jimmyjones]

Usually a couple of speed strips and a speed loader, 17 extra rounds, 22 total.

[stansdds]

It has been my experience that a speed loader is usually quite a bit faster for reloading, but I can only conceal them under bulky garments, like a coat of some sort and if dressed like that, I may as well use my Model 6946. In warmer weather, when concealing the 6946 is difficult and I switch to my 640-1, I usually put a speed strip in a pocket or the watch pocket of my jeans.

[dmthomp32]

While I love carrying my 649, I only carry it places where I’m not as concerned about having more rounds. Otherwise it’s a semi auto like a Shield Plus with an extra mag. For me, I just don’t imagine reloading a revolver under the course of engagement. For me it’s a get off me gun. Engage, break contact and get away!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[max503]

In addition to the speed strip there's always a tupperware full of reloads in my car.

[Breaker]

I use a Galco 2X2X2 leather pouch on my belt and one additional speed loader in my left front pocket. FYI-If your grips don’t allow speed loader use you might try Federal HST .38+P that are loaded flush with the case. They are a bit less forgiving in speed loader placement, but the short length works with any grip I have tried them on.

[JDinAZ]

Originally Posted by Bill In Texas

Good question OP. Interesting to see how other folks carry reloads.

For me it depends on where I'm going and what my theat assessment might be. At home or walking around the neighborhood I carry a 642 with one speedstrip. If I'm going out to a place that might be questionable, I'll carry the 642 as a backup and my 640 as a primary with a speedstrip or two.

Even though I have a few speedloaders, I prefer speedstrips just for the ease of carry. I use the orange Tuffstrips that hold 8 rounds and I load them with 6 rounds and leave spaces between every 2 rounds. Loading them this way seems to make reloading easier for me.

Yep kinda why I posted this. Noticed there are a lot of new revolver folks in general nowadays.

Thought it would be cool for those folks to see how some of us have been doing it for years so they can try different ways to see what works best for them

Also worth noting since speed strips are by far the most popular. That strip configuration is another thing that can come into play

I just use the plain ol 5 shot strips cause they are the most compact. My reload sequence is 2 2 1 same as most folks do. I’m a minimalist by nature

But I’ve also seen folks use a 7 round speed strip loaded 2rd skip one 2rd skip one then 1rd. As well as 8 shot loaded in a 2rd skip one 2rd skip one 2rd configuration

The main difference in the two skip style configurations is your personal training style from what I get by talking to folks that use skip configuration.

If you grab the 7rd strip with 5rd in skip configuration by the wrong end. It throws off your trained 2 in then 2 in then 1 in on reload. You wind up with 1 in then 2 in then 2 in.

But if you use the 8rd strip with 6 in skip configuration you can grab it by either end and it makes no difference in how you’ve trained yourself to reload your j frame. You still get your 2 2 then 1 no matter what.

8rd with 2x2x2 skip also leaves you one extra for admin reload if you wind up needing it later. Same as 2x2x2 belt pouch does

[Rammer Jammer]

Galco 2x2x2 leather pouch.

[robertrwalsh]

Two speed strips. I have also thought about old-fashioned dump pouches. They are so old school that I think a lot of people would not even know what they are.

[Old cop]

Speedstrip in the watch pocket of my jeans & two speedloaders in the center console of my car.

[Bill In Texas]

Originally Posted by JDinAZ

Yep kinda why I posted this. Noticed there are a lot of new revolver folks in general nowadays.

Thought it would be cool for those folks to see how some of us have been doing it for years so they can try different ways to see what works best for them

Also worth noting since speed strips are by far the most popular. That strip configuration is another thing that can come into play

I just use the plain ol 5 shot strips cause they are the most compact. My reload sequence is 2 2 1 same as most folks do. I’m a minimalist by nature

But I’ve also seen folks use a 7 round speed strip loaded 2rd skip one 2rd skip one then 1rd. As well as 8 shot loaded in a 2rd skip one 2rd skip one 2rd configuration

The main difference in the two skip style configurations is your personal training style from what I get by talking to folks that use skip configuration.

If you grab the 7rd strip with 5rd in skip configuration by the wrong end. It throws off your trained 2 in then 2 in then 1 in on reload. You wind up with 1 in then 2 in then 2 in.

But if you use the 8rd strip with 6 in skip configuration you can grab it by either end and it makes no difference in how you’ve trained yourself to reload your j frame. You still get your 2 2 then 1 no matter what.

8rd with 2x2x2 skip also leaves you one extra for admin reload if you wind up needing it later. Same as 2x2x2 belt pouch does

Good points all. If I had to reload under stress I'm not going to worry about the 5th round. I'm going to reload 4 rounds and get back in the fight. It would take less time that way and I think that the time saved will outweigh the benefit of the extra round.

[Ivan the Butcher]

My year round carry is a 49 no dash. I carry one 8 round speed strip, giving me 13 rounds of 135 God Dot short barrel.


When I carry the 1917 or 1911 as bugs I don't have the speed strip.

In the pick-up's center consul are 2 speed loaders of the Gold Dot ammo. It really is pointless; If I make it to the truck, a long gun becomes my primary! But the tradition goes back about 14 years. Good habits are just hard to break!

Ivan

[tlawler]

I carry a 640-1 in either an ankle holster (inside boot), or in an IWB at 4:00. At home, it’s a 342 in a Mika pocket holster. In all cases my reload is a single six round speed strip in weak side front pocket.

[Borderboss]

When I carry my 940, it's in my right front pocket in a Mika Pocket Holster. I put two moon clips in my left back pocket.

[cmansguns]

Most of my 50 year plus EDC has been with J frame (Model 36, Model 60, Model 637 since 2002) so it was usually 1 speed strip, sometimes 2, loaded 2-2-1 for the extra "grip" on the strip.

Woods carry and hiking was a Model 64 or similar with 2 speed strips full loaded.

Always figured is 15 (or 18) can't get me out of trouble, I'm in deeper doo-doo than I anticipated.

Last year or so since the range reopened from the Covid stuff I've been practicing with M&P 2.0 Compact in a SafariLand Retention level 1 (plastic gun on Kydex...no scratch or wear worries) and I don't see the need for extra ammo beyond what's in the mags.

To me it has always boiled down to what I am personally comfortable with and confident with...not what others are doing but my son is a good example..good with semi-auto's, not so proficient with wheel guns, clothing choices much different than mine so he can try out what's right for him and I don't really comment.

[mikerjf]

When I carry 7r speed strips I've always loaded 2 - 1 - 2. So it works the same from either end, pretty much.

But the "round" speed strips are really handy, and cheap. And they don't interfere with grips.

[SLCDW]

Best way to carry reload is in a second J frame. 640 Pro IWB and 642 IP.

[burneyr]

Originally Posted by JDinAZ

But I’ve also seen folks use a 7 round speed strip loaded 2rd skip one 2rd skip one then 1rd. As well as 8 shot loaded in a 2rd skip one 2rd skip one 2rd configuration

The main difference in the two skip style configurations is your personal training style from what I get by talking to folks that use skip configuration.

If you grab the 7rd strip with 5rd in skip configuration by the wrong end. It throws off your trained 2 in then 2 in then 1 in on reload. You wind up with 1 in then 2 in then 2 in.

The reason I have skips and one separate round to itself is if you are in a fight, and need to reload quickly you can get 1/2 rounds in the cylinder, shut it, and pull the trigger until the round fires. There might be a situation in which the luxury of time to fully reload isn't possible. Get one round in and click through and make your shot.

I carry strips in the warmer months with light clothes, and Safariland loaders with the Jox pouches when they can be concealed. Much prefer the Safariland, but your grips need to be well relieved if you are going to use them with any degree of speed. Spegels are the ticket here.

[JDinAZ]

Originally Posted by mikerjf

When I carry 7r speed strips I've always loaded 2 - 1 - 2. So it works the same from either end, pretty much.

But the "round" speed strips are really handy, and cheap. And they don't interfere with grips.

Great point on 2 1 2 skips in a 7rd strip. I’ve never messed with skips personally, just cause I like the compactness of straight 5rd strips.

But that sure does make sense for consistency in training and will probably help someone out that does use skips