Tips for loading speed strips?

[lrrifleman]

Hi! Way back when, I had some Bianchi speed strips for PPC matches, that have deteriorated over time. Now that I can carry when out of state, I have purchased some "Tuff" brand speed strips in the event that I need a reload.

Unfortunately, despite the instructions, I am having significant difficulty loading these speed strips. I have been trying (off and on) for about 3 months to load these, even after reading the enclosed directions!

Has anyone come up with a trick to load the Tuff brand speed strips?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[dr. mordo]

I agree that the Tuff brand are hard to load. I have been able to just force them in, but it's a challenge.

I start with one edge of the rim down in the strip and then lever against that to pop the rest of the rim into the strip.

 

[joe44va]

Might try a little soapy water.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I start with one edge of the rim down in the strip and then lever against that to pop the rest of the rim into the strip.

This is what I do.

I've found it also helps if you flex the strip back-and-forth a few times before loading rounds. If you can flex the strip a bit while inserting a round that should also help.

 

[blues7]

Bend them backwards, like in an arch, which will elongate the opening holes some. Then slip the rim under and twist and they will fit.

I had a hard time at first until I figured that little trick out and it works for me.

It gets easier.

 

[pasound]

I have a couple. Yes - flex them backwards. Over time, they seem to work better.

 

[GerSan69]

I'll second Blues and pasound. That bending back as you push them in seems to work best.

 

[kthom]

I flex the new ones backward a few times, but tend to put the rim in on one side and twist the round as I lever it into position. Also seems to help to leave them loaded for a while after first loading them. I think the twist helps a lot to seat the rounds.