Speedloader "technique"

[lrrifleman]

Before my hand surgery, I had fired a PPC match with my 686+ 3" (yes, a 3" in a PPC match), and experienced some binding problems when I loaded with my HKS speedloaders.

Prior to practicing speed reloads today, I had always just aligned the cartridges into the charge holes, and turned the release. Today, I realized that this was the cause of the binding. Today, I discovered that if I pushed the speed loader into the spring loaded pin of the extractor (locking bolt?) as I turned the release, all of the cartridges dropped clear of the speed loader without any binding.

Previously, over 20 years ago, when I shot PPC with my Model 14 (pinned and recessed), I only had to align the speedloader and release the cartridges.

Could my reloading binding be the result of the "square" chamber mouths on my 686+, or was I just using a poor reloading technique?

Any and all opinions would be greatly appreciated! As always, thanks in advance for your opinions!

 

[Hair Trigger]

It may be hard for me to describe, but when you push the speedloader far enough to engage the lock pin, the cases are far enough into the cylinder they won't bind as much. I don't like HKS speedloaders, I much prefer Safariland, because you intentionally bury the loader against the pin, and that pushes the release on the loader. The cartridges are almost all the way in the cylinder by then, no binding. I used to shoot PPC back in the late 1970's with a 4" M66 (Service revolver class). Safariland was the go-to for almost everybody back then.

I think the binding issue occurs with HKS because you can release the cases at any time just by turning the knob, and your alignment doesn't have to be off by much at all, so the long cases aren't going straight into the chambers, and will bind; sometimes on the crimp edge, but not always.

Problem for me is, I can only find the Comp II Safariland loaders for my K frames, I use the HKS on my L-frames because Safariland doesn't make the Comp II's for N frames.

I'm not sure about L-frames, I don't have any of those.

 

[Hair Trigger]

I didn't ask, but I assume your stocks are cut out for speedloaders? The football cut helps, but the HKS's still jam up on me on stocks without the speed loader cut. safariland loaders are a tiny bit smaller in diameter than the HKS also, forgot to mention that. Another reason I think they work better.

 

[lrrifleman]

The Hogue Monogrip is relieved for speedloaders. Throughout the reloading process, the grips never contacted or interfered with the loaded speedloader.

 

[Farmer17]

Can you use a gun that takes full moon clips

 

[Marlin57M]

For PPC, I shoot an unaltered 14 in the stock revolver class and either 2.5” 19 or 66 for concealed carry class. In all cases, I shoot 148 gr wadcutters. I use both HKS and Safariland Comp-2 speedloaders. Both loaders are good, but prefer the Safariland because they seem to hold shells more secure and with less “jiggle.” Downsides of the Safariland include they are a little more expensive and not available for as many revolvers as are the HKS.

 

[KAC]

My technique for the HKS loaders is to start the cartridges into the chambers, turn the knob to release them and then let go of the loader. If you turn and pull you will take some of the cartridges with the loader. When you let go of the loader the cartridges won't bind, they will fall into the chambers and then you close the cylinder, letting the loader fall to the ground. Safariland Comp III's are much faster and more positive.

 

[lrrifleman]

@Farmer, I probably could use a revolver modified for moon clips, but I'd rather not. Loaded moon clips, just like a loaded magazine, would lead to a felony charge in NJ with mandatory prison time.

@Marlin, while I shoot PPC matches, these are my "training sessions" for when I carry.

Being disabled requires that I be creative in training for a defensive shooting encounter. Severely damaged legs prevent me from running or walking very fast. PPC (revolver and semi-autos) and GSSF (Glock) allow me to train/practice with minimal movement so I can develop both speed and accuracy. This year, it is my intention once I heal from hand (and possibly leg) surgery, to engage in some IDPA club matches. Between these 3 types of matches, along with precision pistol, I feel comfortable with CCW, and it helps me prepare for the Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit (ADSS) in the fall.

Think of the ADSS as a blend/mutation of IDPA and GSSF for disabled shooters. I have participated in the ADSS for two years now, and each year I come away having learned a lot! When you decide to carry for CCW, everyone encourages you to get training, fortunately the ADSS is the venue for that training if you are disabled!