I seem to remember a speedloader that held the 45 AR cartridges in small spring clips in a speed loader that slid off the rounds rather than the twist of the HKS. Anyone out there know what I am talking about, and if so, have you used them. I am thinking about using my 625 in SSR in IDPA and would like to know what my options are.

Thanks

I am not familiar with the speed loader you mention.

However, when using a .45 ACP revolver there is NOTHING faster than full moon clips when ejecting the empties and reloading the revolver.

They require tools to fill and empty the clips but that is best done at home before you get to the range.

I prefer Brownell's screwdriver type tool for removing the empties from the clips and the Deluxe Moonclip Tool to "reload" the clip:

Deluxe Moon Clip Tool

Dale53

I normally shoot with moons, but IDPA requires speed loaders in SSR division. I guess I could just buy another gun, but using the same gun in two different divisions is what I am going for. I saw a video on the non HKS loaders, but forgot what they were called, and did not save the video...

Can't be bothered with anything but full moon clips. Smaller than conventional speed loaders. I.e. no downside!

There are Maxfire speed loaders that are molded plastic and let the round slide out the side of the loader instead of dropping out the front, but their writeups don't mention any spring clips. Also, a quick search doesn't turn up any in 45AR. HKS does make their twist-to-release speed loaders in 45AR, for example Revolver Speedloader S&W 25-2 45 Auto Rim . I don't see any listings for Safariland push-to-release models for that case, though. You can get the speed strips from Tuff Products in 45AR, Quickstrip 45 Auto Rim 6 Round Polymer Package of 2 Black, but that's not what you would want to use in IDPA competition.

Are you actively averse to the HKS design, or just wondering if there's something else out there that would be equally effective?

The HKS works very well in 45AR, mine have seen years of service.

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Thanks Wrangler, those must have been what I saw in the video. I dont have a problem with the HKS, the Maxfire just looked faster. I thought they were made of plastic and held with clips, but the rubber makes sense.

I had to think a bit, but I think you are referring to the Dade loaders. I don't think they have been made in years.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I have been playing around with a Safariland Comp 1(JS-5) speedloader (that I also use in my S&W 44 mag) in my 625JM. The only possible drawback is that the ratchet that releases the rounds is higher up when it presses against the cylinder ratchet. This causes the loaded rounds to be raised up somewhat from the cylinder. Using roundnose bullets, it might be satisfactory. I use them with cast swc bullets and auto rim brass & they work o.k., but I'm not certain they would work satisfactorily in a super high speed load situation. They are a little more picky about loading the rounds into the speedloader since the 45 Auto Rim case is a little larger in diameter than the 44 mag case. Just a thought.

Correction on the bullets, missiondude, I was using the MiHa group buy 200 GR. HP bullet. Must have had 44
SWC on the brain.

I had thought about trying that, just wish the Comp 3 came in 44 magnum.

Good to know it works.

Thanks

The Safariland Comp I Model J-A10, which I believe is out of production, is a push-type, but not a spring-type. It was made for the .45 Long Colt; I don't know if it would work with the .45 Auto rim. The 45 Colt has a rim diameter of .512, and the Auto Rim's diameter is .516, which is pretty close. I had an WTT ad up last year looking to trade 2 for a comparable pair for a Colt OP/OMT/Python (old style), but got no takers, I would have thought that I would have gotten a nibble if they would work, but got no interest; perhaps the rim thickness is too far apart. I don't have that measurement.

The speedloader that you want for the 625 is the SL Variant. They are made in Germany and sold in the US by Bobby Macs. They make one that works with 44 mag and 45 AR. All of the SL Variant speedloaders work extremely well, but they are pricey. You can find them at bobmacs.com.

You might try 5 Star speedloaders. They are made from high grade aluminum and delron and are very well priced.

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