Speed Loaders

[Kanewpadle]

In your opinion, which is the best speed loader for a J frame?

 

[K Harris]

I do not know about the best, but I have had good luck with the old HKS. I have used the HKS so long now that the clockwise turn of the knob is ingrained.

 

[326MOD10]

If reliability is what is "best" I would second the HKS.

The turn knob tends to hold the rounds in place if dropped and they last forever.

Safariland Comp I are also good and eject the rounds by a release that works as you push the rounds into the cylinder. Can loose rounds though if dropped and they land wrong.

Keep in mind the type of grips you have on could affect the ability to use speed loaders so check that out as well.

 

[K Harris]

That is a good point. The HKS does not work well with the factory rubber boot grips.

 

[BrBa]

Nothing beats moonclips for speed. I prefer them over speedloaders if carrying a reload in a speedloader pouch. TK Custom also chamfers the charge holes when they machine for moonclips. You can still load cartridges individually, or from speed strips or speedloaders with this option.

 

[Model 15-4ever]

If you mean cylindrical loaders, the answer really depends on the stocks you have on the revolver. I've used the HKS, Safariland Comp I, and 5-Star. The various loaders work better with certain grip options, in regards to lining up cleanly with the cylinder, dropping the rounds smoothly into the cylinder without jiggling/twisting, and dropping free once the rounds have been released.

I haven't found the HKS good with the current-issue soft synthetic stocks on the J frames, does not line up cleanly. Works fine with the old-style walnut service stocks, or the older Uncle Mike's style black synthetic stocks.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

HKS or Safari land

 

[Kanewpadle]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I should have been more specific. I’m looking to switch from HKS for my Kimber K6.

I see quite a few available but don’t know much about them. I don’t have any problems with HKS. Just wondering if any others are better.

 

[chief38]

When I first started carrying a J frame back in 1979 I tried all different brands and styles of speed loaders. I did not care for any of them and disliked them because they are bulky and awkward to carry on your person.

I then tried the Bianchi speed strip - much better to carry but I still never fully liked it.

It was at that point that I decided to train myself to load from a belt carried 6 round cartridge holder when OWB carrying and from a nylon custom made velcro sealed pouch (originally meant for a knife) that I had changed into a 6 round cartridge holder. That rode in my left front pocket while carrying the Chief's Special in a DeSantis pocket holster in my right front pocket. I practiced for weeks and got pretty fast with both methods and always carried a reload with me. Speed was at a very slight disadvantage, however the huge advantage was that I always had a reload on me instead of leaving the speed loader in a car, desk or at home.

 

[stansdds]

For me, speed strips for best concealment, HKS speed loaders when attire allows them to be carried. With speed strips, I use 6-round strips, this gives me more gripping area on the strip when reloading.

 

[biku324]

I carry my J-frame less and less since acquiring a Sheild 2.0 in 45. When I do carry the revolver I slip Bianchi speed strips in a pocket. You can load 2 rounds at a time, then 1 very quickly with little practice.

 

[rwsmith]

Yep...

That is a good point. The HKS does not work well with the factory rubber boot grips.

I would have to do some rubber grip trimming on bother of my J-frames, so I just don't use speed loaders with them.

 

[WR Moore]

The Safariland speed loader has an advantage if you only have one hand available for loading. It can be just a tad harder to align, but with a 6 shot, if you get an index finger into the gap between rounds and find a cylinder flute, you're lined up.

 

[Gamecock]

It's a trick. There is no 'speed' with 'speed loaders.'

Anything you would need a speed loader for, you would be better off running.

 

[snubbyfan]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-xGOTToUpM[/ame]

 

[K Harris]

I have not used them, but the Zeta6 is said to work with the factory grips. It is a "peal-off" type like the speed strips.

 

[Baxter6551]

I second the HKS and speed strips. I use HKS in j frame and Comp II in K. I think Kimber or someone makes a specific for the K6 ? Can’t go wrong with speed strips. I buy the Tuffy brand 5 shot in orange for J frame to be visible for J frames.

 

[smoothshooter]

Anything but HKS brand, which, for some reason are the most commonly encountered.
Safariland brand is head and shoulders above HKS for ease of use.
There are other, newer brands on the market now, but I have no experience with them. Some are undoubtedly good designs.

 

[smoothshooter]

I would have to do some rubber grip trimming on bother of my J-frames, so I just don't use speed loaders with them.

Why not trim the grip? It’s no big deal.

 

[smoothshooter]

It's a trick. There is no 'speed' with 'speed loaders.'

Anything you would need a speed loader for, you would be better off running.

Disagree.
Why not shoot, run, and reload?