Speedbeez vs. HKS vs. Five Star vs. Max Fire - 7 Shot speedloaders

[westernrover]

It's a pity Safariland doesn't offer their speedloader in a 7-shot version for .357 Magnum. I'm looking for a speedloader and loading block to waste less time loading my revolver. I am not shooting in competition so I don't need a lot of speedloaders or moon clips. I need to load my revolver:

• when I take it out of the safe every day and put it in a holster
• after every time I use it for dry fire practice and need to return it loaded to the holster
• during drills at the range where my goal and budget is about 150 rounds per week
• after cleaning it every time I return from the range
• for reloading drills with snap caps and live rounds

I typically load it about five times a day unless I'm doing drills and then it would be many more times.

I was thinking it might be best to put my carry ammo in a moon clip so I can take it out and put it back without having to load the cylinder or a speedloader every time. The cylinder is not cut yet.

For spare carry ammo, I currently use a speed-strip, but might consider a Max Fire or HKS speedloader that doesn't rattle. I'm concerned a spare moon clip would get damaged.

For going to the range, I could put all the ammo in moon clips or just use a loading block with a couple speedloaders. I know there are some mooning tools that make mooning and de-mooning easier, but a loading block would probably be just as efficient for my use. I am not doing more than one reload on a timer in any of my practice. I would want to practice with what I carry for spare ammo whether it's a clip or speedloader.

 

[ATLDave]

Moon clips? I think you'd have to have the gun cut for moon clips to be viable.

 

[ewlyon]

Moon clips would be the way to go IMO if you are willing to have the cylinder cut. Otherwise I use the HKS speedloaders for my 686+ and am pretty satisfied with them. I was not crazy about the one Five Star speedloader I tried with my LCR, too much rattle. Speedbeez are great for range use but not secure enough for carry. Never tried Max Fire

 

[somethingbenign]

I've been looking into this same comparison but because 327 is not supported instead of 7 shot being an issue. I have no personal experience but scoured internet reviews for more time than I care to admit. What I've found is the max fire can damage the crane over time so I didn't look any closer than that. Five star seems in most regards to be the better product but the HKS is cheaper. Also the five star and HKS twist different directions so that may play a factor depending on what hand you use to reload and if you have any range of motion concerns. Speedbeez has a really nice deal where you get a hard case with a holder for the loader and loading block with a ton of spots for cartridges so you can stag before you go to the range. I've heard some issues with durability for the speedbeez being dropped on hard surfaces in competitive formats. Me personally I'd go with the speedbeez and am currently saving up to do just that.

 

[Tinman357]

Avoid the 5 star brand. Very well made and look good. But if you've ever used the HKS loaders you'll hang up. The 5 star release turns the other way. No need for them to do that. They shot themselves in the foot just to be different.

However..... if the HKS procedure isn't hardwired into your brain, then 5 star would be a good option. They do cost almost 3 times as much as the HKS.

No experiance with speedbeeze. I prefer the short Sarafiland. But they don't do the 7 shot I need for my 686.

 

[Pat Riot]

I agree with Tinman 357 regarding HKS.
I am right handed. When I bought my first speed loaders I bought HKS loaders because they were readily available. At first the direction of the knob for locking and unlocking were not intuitive for me. I felt the direction should be the other way. I tried a 5 Star that belonged to a buddy and apparently I got used to the HKS do I have stuck with them.

I do not use them in competitions as I don’t compete with DA revolvers but I do use them for concealed carry and ease of loading at the range. I have not tried Speed Beez so I cannot comment on them. HKS loaders are very secure and I have never had one unlock and release the ammo while in my pocket or in my range bag. I have tried other “no name” loaders that were a waste of money.

I have slide tried Maxfire rubber speed loaders and one other rubber brand (can’t remember the name) They are insecure and a waste of money.

Also, I have not tried Safariland loaders.

 

[Dave T]

There's enough 7-shot S&W L-frames being produced and sold, I am curious why no one (particularly Safariland) isn't making a speed loader for them.

Dave

 

[mcb]

Moonclip are IMHO the best option but not cheap for a seven shot given the cost of having the cylinder cut and then buying moonclips that are not cheap for the 686+ (compared to say a 625 or 610) and may not be needed for the OP application

The Speedbeez may be the best option. They are easier to load, especially with loading blocks and faster to use than HKS speedloaders with the push to release motion. They probably do not retain the rounds as positively as HKS or 5-Star but given the OP use I think Speedbeez might be a good option.

 

[NoirFan]

I use HKS speedloaders for a lot of dry fire practice and reloading drills. On the plus side they are very secure and I’ve never had one unlock when I didn’t want it to. On the down side they rattle and shift a lot. I don’t find the looseness a big deal because you can adjust your technique to compensate.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I've used HKS and 5 Star. Both work fine. I like that you turn away from the gun with the 5 Stars, counter clockwise, rather than toward the gun like with HKS. The 5 Stars will jingle a bit if in the pocket, as they have a little play in them. HKS holds the rounds pretty rigidly.

However, if I was loading and unloading that much in a single day, I'd probably want a gun cut for moonclips.