What speedloader(s) for a 617?

Dave Lively · #1 08-29-2020, 09:16 AM

Do those of you that use speedloaders for your 617 prefer the Speed Beez or DS-10?

The DS-10s are $25 a piece. The Speed Beez are $30-$40 depending on whether you want metal or plastic and the company also offers loading blocks at $19 for a 50 round block. Speed Beez also offers a starter kit with 2, 50 round loading blocks, plastic loader and a case for $80.

I am leaning towards the plastic Speed Beez with 2 loading blocks and case. I have tried the Speed Beez but have never seen a DS-10 except for pictures on the internet.

Buying the Speed Beez and trying a DS-10 too is an option if the DS-10 has some advantages.

I usually shoot at a private outdoor gun club so I am not on the clock. Rather than make the long drive to the club, blaze through a bunch of preloaded magazines and speedloaders and drive back I usually prefer to slow the pace of shooting by loading magazines one or two at a time and shoot revolvers without a speed loader. I do not shoot competitions where speedloaders are needed.

But a few weeks ago while shooting my new 10 shot 617 on a hot and humid Georgia afternoon someone in the next bay was shooting their 617 and let me try using the Speed Beez loader. It worked great and on that particular day using a speed loader instead of manually loading 22s with melting wax lube into the cylinder seemed like a great idea.

ericrlarson · #2 08-29-2020, 10:21 AM

I can’t speak for the Speed Beez. I have the DS-10’s and love them. They work really well and are a bit cheaper.

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DS-10-SPEED · #3 08-29-2020, 01:27 PM

If you're not going to shoot competition any of them will work fine. I do shoot competition and may be a little biased on my choice, I like a light weight, easy to push, compact loader, I carry several in my belt pouch. I also use a loading box or loading block when on the range for target and practice.

I started making them in 2005 and a few customers started making their own versions about 5 years later. All my loaders have staggered length push pins that I developed to reduce the loading force by 50%, some others use equal length push pins to push all the rounds flush to the cylinder but are very hard to push and extra care should be taken not to damage the crane when loading.

Some design variations over the years:

Minorcan · #4 08-29-2020, 02:06 PM

I use DS Speed-loaders for all my revolvers. Inexpensive and never had one jam or fail. I will admit I have never had the need for one in .22 cal.

mikerjf · #5 08-29-2020, 02:13 PM

I have a Speed-Beez used with my 317. Seldom carried, but about the third time the center part popped out (plastic part, threaded in) and it wouldn't work.

I managed to reassemble the part that popped out and it's worked since, but I'm leery of the plastic now.

gr7070 · #6 08-29-2020, 06:16 PM

DS-10!

I have just one, with a long handle and a 6x loading block. All from DS-10.

Highly recommend.

Will2 · #7 08-29-2020, 10:33 PM

I purchased two Speed-Beez a few years ago, they work okay. I needed more for steel completion and read that DS-10 were better. Purchased 5 DS-10 loaders and another loading block. The DS-10 are much better !!! I’m shooting more 22rf this year, and need another couple of loading blocks.

I don’t NEED any more loaders... my current loaders are just fine... but, I expect to buy 5 of the new DS-10 loaders, they are that good !!!

Will

S&WIowegan · #8 08-29-2020, 11:50 PM

I shoot various competitions with my 617s from Steel Challenge to local fun matches. I've never owned Speed-Beez but have the privilege of watching a regular in our group laboriously load and reload his one Speed-Bee while we watch. I load all 6 of mine before I go to the line and avoid wasting other peoples' time.

If you are a non-competitive casual shooter I guess Speed Beez are OK.

Dave Lively · #9 08-30-2020, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&WIowegan

I've never owned Speed-Beez but have the privilege of watching a regular in our group laboriously load and reload his one Speed-Bee while we watch.

The consensus here is DS-10. So I am going to order one of those and two or three loading blocks.

But I am curious about why the guy with the Speed Beez is taking so long to load his loader. Does he not have a loading block? The one time I tried one all I had to do was press the empty loader onto the rounds in the block and put them in the gun which only took a few seconds.

gr7070 · #10 08-30-2020, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lively

But I am curious about why the guy with the Speed Beez is taking so long to load his loader. Does he not have a loading block?

Has to be this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lively

The one time I tried one all I had to do was press the empty loader onto the rounds in the block and put them in the gun which only took a few seconds.

Yep. All day long...

Green Frog · #11 08-30-2020, 01:09 PM

Mr DS-10, do you make your speed Loaders in any other calibers? I would love to find a true peed loader in K32 configuration. Do you have a website?

Froggie

DS-10-SPEED · #12 08-30-2020, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green Frog

Mr DS-10, do you make your speed Loaders in any other calibers? I would love to find a true peed loader in K32 configuration. Do you have a website?

Froggie

Just .22 loaders, I have reduced to making just one S&W 10 shot model and the NAA mini loaders, I stopped making 6,8,9 and Ruger 10 shot loaders and loading blocks, Revolver Supply sells the loader and makes a loading block for the S&W 10 shot.

DS-10-SPEED

S&WIowegan · #13 08-30-2020, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lively

The consensus here is DS-10. So I am going to order one of those and two or three loading blocks.

But I am curious about why the guy with the Speed Beez is taking so long to load his loader. Does he not have a loading block? The one time I tried one all I had to do was press the empty loader onto the rounds in the block and put them in the gun which only took a few seconds.

I didn't say exactly how long it takes. I'm just being grumpy because the rest of us buy enough DS-10s to do quick reloads. The Speed Beez guy seems to need the interval of reloading to get his head right for the next run. Not a big deal.

Seamus O'Caiside · #14 08-30-2020, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lively

But I am curious about why the guy with the Speed Beez is taking so long to load his loader. Does he not have a loading block? The one time I tried one all I had to do was press the empty loader onto the rounds in the block and put them in the gun which only took a few seconds.

I'm curious about that, too. I've never tried the DS, but the Speed Beez is so fast to load, it is just as good as reaching for another pre-loaded loader.

DS-10-SPEED · #15 08-30-2020, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seamus O'Caiside

I'm curious about that, too. I've never tried the DS, but the Speed Beez is so fast to load, it is just as good as reaching for another pre-loaded loader.

I was confused about that too, all spring retaining loaders that were made after the DS-10's use the same concept to fill and load. Speed Beez, Allchin and CCW loaders all work in a similar way.

Dave Lively · #16 09-02-2020, 05:50 PM

USPS delivered the DS-10 and a couple of loading blocks I ordered today. Its hard to tell without comparing them side by side but the DS-10 seems to have a stronger spring that has more of a click when you put rounds into the loader or pop them in the revolver. Very happy with the DS-10.

I kind of wish I had ordered more of the loading blocks and loaders but am going to wait until I use what I have first. I can always order more later.

AzShooter · #17 09-03-2020, 01:33 AM

DS-10s are the best. I've been shooting them for years and just got some of the new models. They have a larger handle on them and are easier to handle. They are the fastest way to recharge your Model 617.

Tanners Owner · #18 09-13-2020, 12:20 AM

For you guys w/ DS 10s, what do you use to carry the Speedloader on your belt?

AzShooter · #19 09-13-2020, 03:46 AM

Check out RevolverSupply.com Loading Block Holders - The Revolver Supply Company, LLC. They make several different loader holders to put on your belt. I have an older model that lets me put 5 loaders on my belt at one time. I need to order one of the single holders so that I always have 6 loaders. 5 for Steel Challenge stages and one extra in case I need a reload.

God forbid I should ever have to reload. Only 5 hits are required at any given stage If I miss 5 times I may as well give up.

wheelgun28 · #20 09-13-2020, 07:14 PM

I have the speed bees (aluminum?) and the plastic box with two trays. I have had it quite a while and it works great. I didnt know we had choices of brands in this model.

I did modify one loading block as I hole sawed a section out. Now I can leave the loader in the case.

I will admit, I lost the first loader some place, the new one stays in the case...