advice on using HKS speedloaders

[dadof6]

Hello everyone,

I recently got a nice 686 5" 7-shot and picked up 2 compatible HKS speedloaders. Thought it would be good to have one or two loaded in the safe. Tried them out at the range, and gave up. Here's what was happening:

First, they wouldn't line up the rounds very well with the chambers. I had to fiddle with them, moving this way and that. Then they wouldn't go very far in. Only the tips of the bullets + a little brass. Then I couldn't get the thing to release the cases, and, when I did, they got stuck in the loader so that when I withdrew it, it pulled a bunch of the cases out with it, promptly spilling them all over the bench. Seems the rims were making too much contact with the walls of the speedloader - too much friction to alow gravity to drop them out. Wow! so much for speed! I thought if I had to do this in a real emergency I'd be cooked. Glad I have a nice SIG .45 w/ a bunch of mags.

Now, both of the speedloaders did this. I noted that these are the "no jiggle" kind (that's what it says on the website. No jiggle? you're kidding, right?) Anyhow, I figure it must be me not using them right. So, without any furhter delay, can someone please tell me how to use these things?

Oh, and I had my wife with me too. I looked real profeshunul...

thanks,

John

 

[gudel]

I bought 2 of these HKS For my 686 6shot. They're a little difficult to insert and the rounds "jiggles", so the tip of the ammo doesn't really line up with the holes.
I replaced it with Safariland speedloader. Problem solved.

 

[warwagon]

I used them for years with my mod 19, with no problems.

That said, I do recall them taking practice though

If you reload, or have a friend who does,you might make up some dummy rounds with no powder, spent primer, to practice with.

Also, are the stocks relieved enough to facilitate use of the loader? If not some work there might help.

I hope you get the hang of it because with practice ,reloads become very fast

Best regards,

Blair

 

[Hardtarget]

As said, make sure the stocks are cleared so the rounds aligne with the cylinder. Also, make sure you point the barrel straight down. (point barrel straight up when ejecting spent rounds...straight down to reload). I've used these for years...and yes...they do take a little practice.

Perfect! Yet another reason for range time!
Mark.

 

[Steve C]

This is the way I use the HKS speed loaders and it works pretty fast with a little practice. 2 things that I learned to increase speed. A. Eject withe the left hand and load with the right hand. B. Let the speed loader drop after loading. Trying to retain the loader is a bad habit you get into at the range and it may be a serious delay in a self defense situation.

 

[Croyance]

Stock 'Coke bottle' style grips get in the way every time. You might need grips that specifically have clearance.

 

[juneau803]

Go with the Safarilands. No jiggle means no wiggle. To release, just push.
Point gun down, gravity is your friend.

 

[Gillster]

He can't "go with the Safarilands" if he has a 7 shooter. I must have a wiggle version of the HKS speedloaders because the rounds index and drop just fine. I don't really use them any more since all my 7 shots have been machined for full moonclips though.

 

[Mark Whiteman]

I've had no trouble with 6 rounders, there are a couple different 7-shot revolvers...sure your got the right ones? I've always had the rounds all line up fairly well all the way to the cylinder...always wanted to try the push-to-release kind, but the HKS worked well enough. (Recreational rather than professional shooter)

 

[Cosmoline]

Practice Practice Practice

I take about five boxes of the cheap Fiochi .357 with me when I shoot my SP-101 and load up seven speed loaders at a time. After awhile the process goes a lot faster.

 

[dadof6]

Got the right loader...

I have the right 7shot /686 loader. One reason they don't seem to line up easily is that the rounds don't always stand straight in the loader. Some of them lean one way or another - sometimes. As for grips, I did have a nice set of Cocobolo grips, but recently changed to a Hogue monogrip. I haven't had a chance to check that difference out. However, I did look to see if the wood grips interfered with clearance and they seemed to be ok.

I mostly want to have them for quick loading at home. I don't mind the single loading at the range. Besides, any time I save by speedloading at the range I lose in loading the speedloader

I also found that you can't use spent cases - you need the bullet tip to start the rounds.

This is actually the best part about this sport - learning new things and interacting with those who can teach you.

Again, thanks for the replies and the great pic tutorial.

John

 

[SwampWolf]

Steve C's photos are excellent illustrations as to how to use a speedloader correctly. I have one comment, though:in photos 4 and 5, when releasing the speedloader, my advice is to never raise the barrel from a downward direction until the cylinder is closed-otherwise, the freshly inserted cartridges may come tumbling out.

 

[juneau803]

I've noticed the problem you are describing in that type of speed loader. The rounds are not firm in the loader therefor slowing down the insertion. I have had better results though, using roundnose bullets with your type of speed loader. They seem to find the holes better than flat nose, or semi wadcutters.

 

[peteinct]

Practice helps

Hi, I just bought a 7 shot and had the same problems you described. I kept trying with it and as the loader wore a little it loosened up and I got a little better at getting the correct angle to the cylinder face and had no problem. I still got waxed at the competition but it was because I'm not a great shooter.

For me the 6 shot loaders worked better but I have more experience with them.
pete

 

[pcf]

Practice lining up two of the two of the cartridges with the charge holes. Tilt the speed loader foward and the other 4 or 5 cartridges line up automatically with their charge holes. Two's easier than 6 or 7.

A very light chamfer on the charge holes will help.

Practice with wadcutters, once you get used to them, RN and SWC's are cake.

 

[MrPhil]

I mostly want to have them for quick loading at home. I don't mind the single loading at the range. Besides, any time I save by speedloading at the range I lose in loading the speedloader.

This is a defensive gun, right? You need to practice reloading until it becomes second nature. If possible, do it under stress, ie. use a timer, have a buddy yell at you, whatever. The main thing is practice until you can do it in the dark every time you attempt it. I like the idea of dummy rounds. I have 12 of them so I can practice at home.

My guns are all 6 shooters. I use Safariland speed loaders. I gave my HKS's away.

 

[wheelgunslinger]

I find Safarilands to be superior as well. However, I don't have any 7 shooters.
Practice with the HKS' will yield good speed once you gain proficiency.