How many of you 617 owners handload vs. using speedloaders and blocks? I can see the advantage if one were in competition. But for regular use, is there truly a benefit of spending the extra bucks? Does handloading become a pain with the 617 after shooting a while? I guess I'll find out soon.
617-6 and handloading vs. speedloaders
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gr7070
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As you say, in competition it's very important.
At the range it's actually an added step. However, for similar reasons as competition that added step can still pay dividends. There may be plenty of time spent chatting, away from the line, etc. when one could load the block while screwing around and then have the loader ready to go to shoot.
If not shooting Steel Challenge there's certainly no need to get a loader and block. So wait and see what you think before you drop the coin.
At the range it's actually an added step. However, for similar reasons as competition that added step can still pay dividends. There may be plenty of time spent chatting, away from the line, etc. when one could load the block while screwing around and then have the loader ready to go to shoot.
If not shooting Steel Challenge there's certainly no need to get a loader and block. So wait and see what you think before you drop the coin.
Jayhawkhuntclub
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If I had a speed loader, I'd shoot so much ammo I'd run through my surplus in no time. Those babies really suck up the ammo.
I use the loading block from California Competition. $50 for the block. $35 for the speed loader. In Steel Challenge it makes for a much faster reload. It is also good for practice. I can load before I go to the range. You will spend more time shooting.
Yes, I can definitely see this happening...going through the ammo surplus a whole lot faster. Considering the ammo shortage right now, this can be a bad thing.
DS-10-SPEED
Member
Why the 10 shot loader was created
The original intent for the 10 shot 617 speedloader was for competition use. I was shooting bowling pin matches at my local club a wanted to use my revolver without causing delays on the line from loading by hand. We had many shooters that needed to shoot their scores in just a few hours. I couldn't find a speedloader then (2005) so I developed my own. If your shooting situation requires you to reduce the time spent on the line then a speedloader will help. Some matches now require them. It allows you to "load up" at your convenience prior to competing.
The original intent for the 10 shot 617 speedloader was for competition use. I was shooting bowling pin matches at my local club a wanted to use my revolver without causing delays on the line from loading by hand. We had many shooters that needed to shoot their scores in just a few hours. I couldn't find a speedloader then (2005) so I developed my own. If your shooting situation requires you to reduce the time spent on the line then a speedloader will help. Some matches now require them. It allows you to "load up" at your convenience prior to competing.
I've got Arthritis and Carpal Tunnel syndrom, I'm getting older by the day and loading 10 of them little suckers in my 617 or 6 in my K-22, 17 and 17-3's by hand was extremely frustrating. A couple of the HKS 6's and a couple of the Speedbeez 10 rounders greatly eased my frustrations...........Dan. ps. I don't shoot competition either!
No speed loaders I load mine loose.
S&W1006
Member
I use my 617 in competition and I would be lost without them. I shot for a long time without speedloaders and a loading block and I got good at loading 2 at a time. They are not necessary for plinking but they make shooting more fun. I have noticed I use more ammo now though because I spend less time loading.
If you just plink save the money. You would have to load the block or the cyl anyway. The loader would surely speed up a re-load. With the price of .22 ammo, I'd take my time shooting accurately. Larry
Matt Hooper
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I have a 100 round block and speed loaders. As the range is really busy these days, I like to load the block at home as to not have to take the extra time on the line. Helps to cut down the wait time for everyone else.
One of the outdoor ranges I go to has a dedicated .22 plinking range. Surprisingly it's rarely as crowded compared to the pistol range. This is the area where my son and I spend most of our time when there. Although convenient, I will likely not need a speedloader in this area.
fotoman12001
Member
Speed loaders for me...
I have a Speed Beez loader and 8-cylinder block for my 617 6-shot, 63-5 8-shot, and Ruger SP101 8-shot (2 blocks for this one). I really like them. I keep the 63-5 and 617 blocks in one Pelican 1050 case and the 2 SP101 blocks in another 1050 case. It's all a very convient way to transport equipment.
I've found that the block system actually helps me conserve ammo for two reasons. One is that I'm not fond of loading the cylinder by hand or loading up the 48-64 rounds that each block holds. For this reason when the block is empty I'm ususally ready to call it quits. The other reason is that it allows me to keep a better eye on the ammo I'm using. That block starts to look pretty barren when it's half empty and makes me not want to use more ammo. On the other hand, if I'm pulling bullets directly out of a bulk box I really don't notice the level going down until I'm near the bottom of the box. Well there went 500 rounds
When I first got the system for my SP101 I did blow through a block as fast as I could just to do it
Since then I don't think I really shoot any faster, I just spend less time reloading.
Speed Beez loaders kill the HKS loaders. HKS just releases the rounds and I usually have to push them into dirty chambers. The Speed Beez shoves them right in.
For those reasons I highly recommend a Speed Beez system and wouldn't want to regularly shoot a 22 revolver without one. My 63 No Dash is the only one that does not have a speed loader. I might get one but casings really get stuck in its chambers after firing so I don't enjoy shooting it as much.
YMMV
I have a Speed Beez loader and 8-cylinder block for my 617 6-shot, 63-5 8-shot, and Ruger SP101 8-shot (2 blocks for this one). I really like them. I keep the 63-5 and 617 blocks in one Pelican 1050 case and the 2 SP101 blocks in another 1050 case. It's all a very convient way to transport equipment.
I've found that the block system actually helps me conserve ammo for two reasons. One is that I'm not fond of loading the cylinder by hand or loading up the 48-64 rounds that each block holds. For this reason when the block is empty I'm ususally ready to call it quits. The other reason is that it allows me to keep a better eye on the ammo I'm using. That block starts to look pretty barren when it's half empty and makes me not want to use more ammo. On the other hand, if I'm pulling bullets directly out of a bulk box I really don't notice the level going down until I'm near the bottom of the box. Well there went 500 rounds
When I first got the system for my SP101 I did blow through a block as fast as I could just to do it
Since then I don't think I really shoot any faster, I just spend less time reloading.Speed Beez loaders kill the HKS loaders. HKS just releases the rounds and I usually have to push them into dirty chambers. The Speed Beez shoves them right in.
For those reasons I highly recommend a Speed Beez system and wouldn't want to regularly shoot a 22 revolver without one. My 63 No Dash is the only one that does not have a speed loader. I might get one but casings really get stuck in its chambers after firing so I don't enjoy shooting it as much.
YMMV
Lou_NC
Member
Uncle Mike's pellet pouch works for me
Here's what I use. I discovered this product from Uncle Mike's a few years ago. Works great on your belt, easy to open and close.
I couldn't imagine spending the $$ that are being asked for the 10-shot loaders or loading blocks.
Now if HKS ever decides to make one and sell it in the $8 range like their other ones, I might give it a try.
Here's what I use. I discovered this product from Uncle Mike's a few years ago. Works great on your belt, easy to open and close.
I couldn't imagine spending the $$ that are being asked for the 10-shot loaders or loading blocks.
Now if HKS ever decides to make one and sell it in the $8 range like their other ones, I might give it a try.
slickracer
Member
I'm fortunate that my club has the same thing with steel swingers & animals at 25 & 50 yards. I usually have it all to myself and grin ear to ear the whole time.
I use my 17-2 for pest control at the farm. Small stuff (red squirrels, starlings and rats) in the barn or on the bird feeders get the Colibris that normally live in the gun, but I keep an HKS speedloader of high speed hollow points nearby for raccoons, feral cats and porcupines. Colibris just give opossums and raccoons a headache.
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Irelander
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Nice photos as always. This picture alone has me aching for a 4" 617.
