What is a speedloader? How does it work?

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A speedloader is a mechanical device................

which will hold a specific number of rounds (usually 6, 7, or 8) and allows a shooter to load a double action revolver with all the shells at one time. Hence, the name speedloader. I have added a URL which contains some pictures of speedloaders and also gives information as to how they are used. The URL is http://www.pistoleer.com/hks/revolver.shtml. Hope this helps. Good shooting;)
 
Partial to Safariland (Series 3, I think) for my Model 64.

The HKS seemed kinda awkward as you have to turn a knob to get 'em to work.

Some though, swear by Bianchi speed strips (not exactly speed loaders, but apparently easier to conceal as they are flat).
 
The Safariland "push on the back to release" systems are the fastest. The long ones have springs that "eject" the rounds into the cylinder, which is by far the fastest but also bulky.

HKSs work OK with practice...that's the "twist the knob to release" type. They're the most mechanically reliable type, in my opinion (least likely to accidentally dump).

There's also a weird rubber thing, like a circular "speed strip". What the heck is the name of those? Anyways, lots of complaints posted - I haven't tried 'em, but most complaints involve rounds dropping out by accident. I also don't like how you have to snap the thing sideways to release - good way to twist the crane into a pretzel eventually.

Ah yes, Maxfire, that's it:

http://www.speedloaders.com/product.htm
 
Thanks folk's for the quick responses. The last time I
used the old HKS style speedloader was in '87 I do
believe? Started with a on duty self-loader in July of
1988. Heck, I think I still got that old HKS (L-frame)
speed loader laying around here somewhere? :uhoh:
And I know for sure where my Bianchi speed strip is!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
The Dade was the fastest speedloader ever but if you ever dropped it the rounds would go everywhere.

The Safariland can be a little faster in use than the HKS, but if you ever need to reload with hands that are wet or sweaty or Heaven forbid, bloody, you'll appreciate the knob on the HKS. You can get a really good grip on that big knurled knob. They're easier to dig out of most belt pouches too.

Also, HKS makes a loader for almost every modern revolver you can think of.

Speed strips are great for flat unobtrusive carry. And they're great for tactical reloads. I just wish they made them in .41 and .44.
 
VSSE,
I think that everyone did a great job answering your question.

Check out a website like www.midwayusa.com or www.natchezss.com and look up speedloaders or speed strips. www.dillonprecision.com sells some safariland speed loaders and bianchi speed strips.

Speed loaders hold 6-8 rounds in a holder so that you can load a double action revolver quicker by putting all of the ammunition into the cylinder at the same time.

HKS speed loaders by operating a knob. you put the rounds into the holes on the front of the speed loader, then turn the knob on the back. The rounds are held in place until you turn the knob in the opposite direction.

Safariland's Comp II and Comp I, you put the bullets in, press the whole system forward on a hard surface and turn the knob on the back. WHen you put the speed loader and cartridges into the cylinder, you keep pushing the speed loader against the back of the cyldinder. This causes a spring to be released and the bullets are released into the cylinder.

Speed strips are a piece of rubber that holds the rim of the case and you just put the bullet into the cylinder and pull the speed strip off of it. You load one cylinder at a time. These are typically easier to conceal. I haven't used them.

I use safariland comp II speed loaders more often than my HKS style speed loaders. I find the Comp II slightly faster than the HKS style.

I hope that helps for you.

-Jim
 
What's the difference between the Safariland Comp I and II? The knob size?
 
I started with HKS and have had nothing but trouble. One or more rounds always seem to pull back out or hang up. I am currently using Safariland III for my M66.

HOWEVER, I would really advise that you do not stop as speedloaders and go directly to moonclips. Lightweight, less expensive and very fast. The choice of the competitors and winners of the International Revolver Championship match.
 
Well, I have three Safariland C-1 speedloaders for my 5 shot S&W J frame. They work very well. All one needs to do is press it against the cylinder to release the cartridges.

It's pretty simple, once you figure out how to load the cartridges into the speedloader itself. Once loaded into the speedloader, I don't think that water or blood would affect transferring the cartridges from the speedloader into the cylinder.
 
The basic principle of speedloaders hasn't changed much in the past 70 years.

This is a Nelson Rapid Fire Reloader.
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Ahhh ...... the Dade!!! That takes me back. Yeah they were VERY fast . I could re charge my N frame with one of those quicker than anything else.

But as Bear said ... drop one and .... oops .. rounds everywhere. .. they depended on just that loop of fine coil spring ... nothing else.

I have way too many H&K's and they are barely ''OK'' ... I have some Safariland Comp 1's and am trying to switch over to those. The rounds are very well locked in and release is a snap. Pretty slick.

The ones (Safariland) with long sprung loaded piece (forget name) ... they work good for sure but are that much larger in the pocket.

Comp 1's are just fine.:)
 
..
The difference between the Safariland Comp I, Comp II and comp III is the size of them.

Link to Comp I:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/127569

Link to Comp II:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/667887

Link to Comp III:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/360325

Link to HKS style:
http://www.midwayusa.com/rewriteaproduct/298637

I'm not trying to put in a plug for Midway. I bought my Comp IIs from them so I figured that they would have a good picture of each type of speed loader.

-Jim
 
There's also a weird rubber thing, like a circular "speed strip". What the heck is the name of those? Anyways, lots of complaints posted - I haven't tried 'em, but most complaints involve rounds dropping out by accident. I also don't like how you have to snap the thing sideways to release - good way to twist the crane into a pretzel eventually.
Click to expand...

Maxfire. Interesting idea, but. . .

I've got a couple, don't care for them. Rounds fall out. Hard to get centered so all rounds go in chambers. They're soft rubber, and don't look real durable.
 
I had nothing but trouble with the Maxfire product, only thing good about them was they were part of a prize pack at a big shoot so I didn't have to pay for them!
 
At the turn of the 20th Century there were speedloaders (brass) for the Webley revolver. Preceding the one for the Webley was one for the Colt that was made of wood. Speedloaders have been around and they seem to have been forgotten until sometime in the '70s.
 
I will second the plea for "Speed Strips" for 44s. I'd love to be able to carry 5 or 6 44 Specials in my pocket, all pointed in the same direction and easily accessable. For that matter I wish H&K or Safariland would make a dedicated speedloader for the L-Frame 44 Special 5 shots (M-696, M292, M-396) The one for the Charger Arms Bulldog almost works but it isn't a good fit.
 
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