Best way to reload a revolver?

[BabaBlueJay]

While I'm green compared to a lot of members of this forum, one thing I accrued a small amount of experience with has been different means of reloading revolvers. I've had multiple speedloaders (5-star, Safarriland, and Speed Beez) and had two separate pairs of Bianchi Strips. I've even tried the rubber speedloader which seems to be the worst of both worlds. The worst of all being loading loose rounds by hand.

Speedloaders are the best for fast, complete reloads and make range days more time efficient. I have carried them regularly, but they can be a rock in your pocket. It's not as terrible as I or most make it, but I definitely notice it.

Speed strips are the best for concealment, hands down. Because of their flat profile and miniscule weight, I can carry two of them easier than one speedloader. You can also top off, or do a fast partial reload (the latter being more realistic).

Moon Clips are cool but only work in certain revolvers or revolvers milled to accept them. They seem to work fast and are lighter than speedloaders, though I have no experience with them as I haven't owned a revolver that takes them.

Rubber speedloaders have all the problems of a speedloader without the benefits of the strip. Glad I got to borrow a friend's to test instead of buying one. They are easier to fit between the grip and cylinder than some longer speedloaders but this does not make up for the downsides IMO, though YMMV.

If you own two handguns you can do a New York reload by simply pulling out the backup.

If I am being realistic, the likelihood of me ever needing to draw my gun, let alone fire it, let alone fire all 5 and still need to hang around long enough to reload are astronomically low. Even so, always good to think about these things now than in the moment.

For the record, I typically carry a speedloader because I don't think it's that big of a deal. Even in shorts my Speed Beez loader isn't too obvious.

 

[junglefighter]

I sometimes carry my 629 3" bbl. and my choice to carry extra rounds is Galco 2x2x2. Conceals, comfortable and almost as fast,for me, as a speedloader. I do not like/use speed strips.

 

[Rpg]

Without question moon clips are the fastest method to load a revolver.

It’s only recently that revolvers, other than the 1917, have been offered set up for moon clips. Some custom shops will modify revolvers not set up by the factory to use moon clips. The only drawback is finding moon clips: they’re not made for every revolver or for every cartridge.

If I planned to use a revolver in a competition that requires a reload, I’d be sure the revolver used moon clips.

 

[Sixgun100]

Speedloaders

Speedloaders for me, but I only use Safariland.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Pointy end first.

 

[Rich Richardson]

By hand, one by one in my 629.

 

[BabaBlueJay]

Pointy end first.

 

[jkmo]

Moon clips are the absolute fastest with short stubby cartridges like 9mm and 45 ACP. After that speed loaders. I have a pair of Dades since about 1980 or so and they are fast also. Quicker, cleaner ejection with moon clips also

 

[chief38]

I carried a M60 for 40+ years up until about 4 years ago when I retired my Chief's Special for a Sig P365. When carrying the M60 I tried pretty much all the common reloading methods and after being frustrated with speed strips & speed loaders I reverted back to using a belt cartridge holder that had three compartments for two bullets each. I reloaded 2,2,1 and left the last one in the holder. After practicing a while, I got pretty darn fast reloading that way - actually faster than I could with speed strips. In warm weather or when I could not conceal a belt cartridge holder I had a nylon holder sewn for me that was very flat and always in my pocket. Of course that was not as fast as the belt rig, but at least I had extra ammo with me instead of leaving the speed loader in my desk drawer, jacket pocket or in my car. Again, practice really helps for speed!

 

[Miracle Man]

After a ton of practice I actually got pretty decent with a speed loader years ago. We still had S&W model 10's at the prison I worked at.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I've never used speed strips (or moon clips for that matter, but I don't own a revolver that uses them). I learned speed loaders from PPC shooting when I was on the pistol team for the prison unit I worked at, shooting a M66. I used Safariland, and all they had back then was the Comp I (or its 1978 equivalent). I prefer the Comp II now, and use them on my K frames. I use the HKS loaders for my N frames, but don't like them as much as the Safariland loaders.

 

[Echo40]

Other: Individually, one round at a time.

Honestly, if reload speed is really such a big concern, then ammo capacity should likewise be a concern, and thusly you're just plain better off carrying an autoloader.

To me, the main benefit of carrying a Revolver is the ability to shoot extremely powerful Magnum cartridges with greater terminal effectiveness which make up for the lesser ammo capacity and reload speed.
People can pretend all they like that 9mm is equal to .357 Magnum and upwards based on silly unilateral FBI Testing Protocol, not to mention make uncited claims of some occurrence in which some drug-addict or freak of nature continued fighting after taking 6 rounds of .44 Magnum to the upper torso, but I'd be very much interested to see some actual documented cases in which confirmed Magnum cartridges failed to stop an ordinary human being after sustaining multiple shots to upper torso.

 

[Moo Moo]

Best revolver reload is when the Offender has already hit the ground and you have your boot on his throat while u dump out the empties. Sorry, saw that in a movie once.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If I am being realistic, the likelihood of me ever needing to draw my gun, let alone fire it, let alone fire all 5 and still need to hang around long enough to reload are astronomically low. Even so, always good to think about these things now than in the moment.

That's exactly why I don't even think about reloading my M649 J-frame. If I'm going ANYWHERE that I think might require more than 5 shots I take a 9mm with more rounds available and maybe an extra magazine. I love revolvers but a man's got to know his limitations.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uki4lrLzRaU[/ame]

 

[balin]

Speed strips are what I carry. I would not say it is my preferred method of reloading. But strips unobtrusive and easier to carry.

 

[Farmer17]

I got pretty good with the HKS speed loaders years ago in my Smith revolvers but under duress they are SO inferior to a quick magazine change in an auto. Anymore if I carry a revolver I usually don’t even carry any extra rounds or if I do, it’s a few loose rounds in the pocket.

 

[ultra45]

Most folks haven’t a clue how to combat load and unload a revolver. Wether loading rounds by hand, using a speedloader or strip, most loose valuable seconds by not holding the revolver properly.

There is a technique, a PITA to describe here, wish I could find a video, we learned, back our academy days. You retired guys know what I speak of. Every revolver carrier should,be versed in the method. Seconds count.

 

[mikerjf]

I carry the rubber speedloaders because they a) don’t seem to interfere with grips, and b) the tab makes for easier and more repeatable handling. The “peel” part of loading is a little harder, but that’s why we practice.

The speedstrips are easier to carry and better at partial reloads.

 

[BE Mike]

If you're loading a six shooter, a speedloader with a pouch that keeps 3 rounds under your belt and 3 rounds over your belt is not bulky.

 

[brian686]

Most of my speedloaders seem to get stuck with the grips. Never have that problem with speed strips. I haven't tried the rubber speedloaders yet, but they look like the best of both worlds.
I believe Massad Ayoob has some reloading a revolver videos on youtube. Should be an easy search.