Speedloaders Public Service Announcement

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Stophel

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As a public service, I wish to state that Safariland speedloaders are much better than HKS speedloaders. I now return you to your regular internet browsing.....


Seriously. After all these years... I have had HKS speedloaders for a long time, and they're ok, but they're fidgety, and the shells splay out and don't want to all align, and my bullets of choice (158gr. SWC HP) really don't like that arrangement. And sometimes, the speedloader wants to drag a shell or two back out.

So, I finally decided to get some Safariland Comp I and II speedloaders. Wow. What a difference. They hold the shells still, making it MUCH easier and faster to get them all aligned into the chambers. Even my lead hollowpoints work pretty well with them. And just push. Click. You're done. Everything I have read about them seems to be true. Only time will prove durability, but I don't really have concerns there.

I got K frame and J frame size. The J frame one works even though the grip panel is still kinda in the way. I can still get the cartridges in well enough to make 'er go. The K frame ones operate almost effortlessly.

I just wish they made one for a .357 Model 27/28! (they do make an N frame .44) I have to stay with HKS for that one!

They're like eleven bucks and change, so they're definitely worth a try, if you're looking for speedloaders. ;)
 
I used the Comp IIs when I was issued an L frame .357 and swore by them. I still have that gun and the comp IIs, and have since gotten the comp Is for my J frames and K frames. I tried the HKS with various guns and still have some for my N frame but they are lacking in comparison.
 
If they made some for the king cobra I’d switch to use them on my 3 revolvers but they don’t. Supposedly some S&W model comp2 works but it’s 50/50 on those reports
 
SteadyD said:
That’s why I don’t use them. I want all my speed loaders to function the same so I went with 5 star.
Click to expand...

Are the 5 Star more "secure" than the HKS? Meaning, do they hold the cartridges still and in proper position, or do they let the cartridges wiggle and rattle around like the HKS?

I can get Safariland for everything I've got except for the Model 27. And if I can get something more solid than the HKS for that, I'd be happy.
 
The quality is significantly better but they do rattle. At least as much as HKS, maybe more. Or at least they sound like it’s more given they are aluminum.
 
I have a bunch of the Comp I for my 27s and 28s. They still work great and I got them back in ‘86. You are right that they hold the cartridges firmly. Great product.
 
Own HKS and Safariland speed loaders. I'll grant
Safariland seems faster but marginally so. My go-to
speed loader remains the HKS. Perhaps because of
years of use I don't find the need to twist the knob
an inconvenience.

I think a lot of the preference has to do with just what
technique in holding the revolver and which hand is
used in the loading, strong or weak.

I've found that once I start, repeat start, the cartridges
into the chambers with the HKS, I can "twist" and let
go, repeat let go, of the loader. Gravity takes care of the rest.

However, the RevolverGuy.com has a rundown or two of at
least 9 speed loaders with results from him and helpers.
Check it out.

By the way, if. you're into 7-shooter L-frame or GP-100
models, then it's pretty much only HKS.
 
Last edited:
UncleEd said:
Own HKS and Safariland speed loaders. I'll grant
Safariland seems faster but marginally so. My go-to
speed loader remains the HKS. Perhaps because of
years of use I don't find the need to twist the knob
an inconvenience.

I think a lot of the preference has to do with just what
technique in holding the revolver and which hand is
used in the loading, strong or weak.

I've found that once I start, repeat start, the cartridges
into the chambers with the HKS, I can "twist" and let
go, repeat let go, of the loader. Gravity takes care of the rest.

However, the RevolverGuy.com has a rundown or two of at
least 9 speed loaders with results from him and helpers.
Check it out.

By the way, if. you're into 7-shooter L-frame or GP-100
models, then it's pretty much only HKS.
Click to expand...
Speedbeez makes a 7-shot speed-loader for both the L-frame and GP100.
 
MCB,

Like I wrote, the HKS is pretty much the only
choice for a 7-shooter. The Speed Beez is
much like the old Dade loader.
 
UncleEd said:
MCB,

Like I wrote, the HKS is pretty much the only
choice for a 7-shooter. The Speed Beez is
much like the old Dade loader.
Click to expand...

I must not be following you. Speedbeez also make a 7-shot speedloader for both the S&W L-frame (686/586/386) and the GP100. And yes it functions very similar to the old Dade Loader.
https://www.speedbeez.com/product-c...er-38-357-speed-loaders/gp-100-38-357-7-shot/
https://www.speedbeez.com/product-c...oaders/sw-38-357-speedloaders/l-frame-7-shot/

5-star also make a 7-shot speedloader for the S&W L-frame and GP100 that uses the twist to release mechanism similar to the HKS.
http://www.5starfirearms.com/L7-357-38-Accessories-s/133.htm

The Maxfire also makes a 7-shot L-frame/GP100 compatible speedloader that is configured like speed loader but retains the rounds like a speed strip.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015164768?pid=435795
 
Speed Beez---$39. (rounds easily knocked from loader)

5-star---$25 (no better than HKS)

Maxfire---$15 (and clumsy)

HKS---$10 at Amazon

OK, others do make 7-shooter speed loaders besides HKS

The HKS survives multiple drops on soft and hard ground
and the Safariland from what I've read isn't too far behind.
 
UncleEd said:
Speed Beez---$39. (rounds easily knocked from loader)
Click to expand...
Have you used the Speed Beez? In my limited exposure I have not found that they drop rounds without being abused. They are fast to use like the Safariland push to release.
5-star---$25 (no better than HKS)
Click to expand...
Many argue the all metal construction makes them much more robust, I don't use any of the twist to release speed loaders. Too fidgety when the SHTF.
Maxfire---$15 (and clumsy)
Click to expand...
But nearly indestructible when you stomp on them.
HKS---$10 at Amazon
Click to expand...
I have one for my model 10. I bought to test when I was putting together and IDPA revolver rig. It does not get used much. The Safariland Comp III go on the belt for reloads on the clock (competition or otherwise)
OK, others do make 7-shooter speed loaders besides HKS

The HKS survives multiple drops on soft and hard ground
and the Safariland from what I've read isn't too far behind.
Click to expand...

That was my point there are other options out there for the 7-shooters.

The best option is still moonclips, they RULE!
 
Years ago I shot in NRA Police Revolver matches, otherwise known as PPC. I used Dade Screw-Machine speed loaders and loved them. They were easy to load and easy to use loading the gun. They weren't terribly secure but when I got out of the habit of throwing them they proved more than secure enough. (smile)

When I got into more serious competition with revolvers I discovered the S&W M25-2 and Moonclips. I haven't looked back, even with my M386 NG. I had TK Custom machine it to take 38/357 rounds in full moon clips. That is my current carry gun. Moonclips rule (lol).

Dave
 
speed loaders where invented when the revolver was standard police issue. during this time the safariland comps ruled supreme (Harry Callahan used Dades in Magnum Force), the hks were just a cheaper alternative and offered a few more models like for the 5 shot bulldog .44, the moon clips et al became popular for revolver competitions, just as the revolver was being phased out of standard police issue. this is why safariland comp offerings are narrow, there isn't a demand for combat revolvers any more.
 
Last edited:
JERRY said:
speed loaders where invented when the revolver was standard police issue. during this time the safariland comps ruled supreme (Harry Callahan used Dades in Magnum Force), the hks were just a cheaper alternative and offered a few more models like for the 5 shot bulldog .44, the moon clips et al became popular for revolver competitions, just as the revolver was being phased out of standard police issue. this is why safariland comp offerings are narrow, there isn't a demand for combat revolvers any more.
Click to expand...
I would have been interesting to see how much longer the service revolver could have held out against the semi-auto for LEO duty if the rise of the full moonclip and 8-shot N-frames had come a decade or two earlier when the Revolver was still solidly accepted King of LEO duty weapons.
 
kBob said:
Youse guys complaining about HKS need to be forced to use drop pouches for a bit!.... or belt loops!

-kBob
Click to expand...
There is nothing wrong with HKS speedloaders (and similar twist to release) but once to make the effort to get proficient with a push to release style it's hard to go back to twist to release version. Sort of like once you go to a fuel injected engine its hard to go back to a carburetor.

Never tried dump pouches but I have used shell loops a moderate amount but the only time I use them now is when carrying both my 44 Mag revolver and carbine at the same time. Otherwise some type of speed loader or moonclip goes with all my revolvers.
 
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