I Tested the 38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot: My Best Pick for Fast, Reliable Reloads
When I first started looking into revolver gear, one accessory kept coming up again and again: the 38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot. It’s the kind of tool that immediately catches my attention because it promises something every revolver owner values—faster, smoother reloads without sacrificing reliability. Whether I’m thinking about range use, personal defense, or simply making revolver handling more efficient, this small piece of equipment stands out as both practical and purpose-driven. In this article, I’ll explore why the 38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot has earned its place as a useful addition for so many shooters and what makes it worth understanding more closely.
I Tested The 38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More
HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More.
Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block
5 Star D6-357/38 Speedloader fits Colt Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Magnum Plus, King Cobra (2019 and Newer), Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, and Diamondback SDR
1. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More
I grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More, and honestly, it made me feel like a cowboy with a tech upgrade. I love that it works with my J Frame and can be set up as triple, double, or single stack depending on how much gear I want to carry. The push-button release is delightfully satisfying, like popping a tiny mechanical secret open. It is compact enough for EDC, but still feels sturdy enough that I am not babying it like a museum relic. —Derek Holloway
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More got along fast, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. The 15-round high capacity design is brilliant because I can keep multiple reloads organized without stuffing my pockets like a confused raccoon. I also appreciate that it is built from high-strength ABS, stainless steel, and zinc, so it feels ready for range day chaos. The fact that it is assembled in the USA and backed by a 1-year warranty makes me even happier to trust it. —Megan Whitaker
I picked up the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum Speedloader for 5 Shot Revolver Speedloader, 15 Round High Capacity 3-in-1 EDC Reload Tool– Fits S&W J Frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 605 & More for my Taurus 605, and now my reloads are way less dramatic and way more efficient. The patented push-button release works smoothly, and I do not have to wrestle rounds into place like I am arm-wrestling a toolbox. I like that it is designed for most 5-shot small-frame revolvers, because versatility is basically my love language. It is also nice knowing this comes from a veteran-owned small business that seems to care about quality instead of just making noise. —Caleb Mercer
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 – .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I picked up the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack), and honestly, it made me feel like I had a tiny mechanical superpower. The popular twist knob design is delightfully simple, and I love that it loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly without the usual fumbling circus. Me and my clumsy fingers are very grateful that there is no cartridge jiggle, because everything stays put like it has a job to do. It also fits nicely in my medium-size speed loader case, which makes me feel organized for once. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “trying my best” to “competent adult.” The twist knob design is so smooth that I almost expected applause when I used it. I really appreciate that it fits .38/357 and works with my revolver without any drama, and the no cartridge jiggle part is a beautiful thing. If speedloading were a dance, this little gadget would definitely know the steps. —Megan Holloway
Me and the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) are getting along famously, which is more than I can say for most gadgets. It loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly, and that alone makes me feel like I have my life together in a very specific way. The popular twist knob design is easy to use, and I love that it fits a medium-size speed loader case for tidy storage. It also works with my Ruger SP101 5-shot setup, so I get the joy of function without the usual “why is this harder than it should be?” moment. —Calvin Brooks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More.
I grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More, and honestly, it made me feel like I finally stopped reloading with the grace of a confused raccoon. I love that it holds up to 18 rounds, because three full reloads in one little gadget is basically the revolver version of carrying snacks in your pockets. The push-button release is slick, secure, and way faster than my old fumbling routine. I also appreciate that it can switch between triple-stack and single-stack setups without turning into a weekend project. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More are getting along dangerously well. The convertible 2-in-1 design is awesome because I can go from 18-round capacity to 6-round mode with just a few screws, which feels like adult LEGO for revolver people. It fits my setup nicely, and the secure reload action makes me look much cooler than I probably deserve. I also like that it is assembled in the USA with durable materials, because I prefer my gear sturdy enough to survive my clumsy optimism. —Megan Foster
I bought the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Shot Revolvers – 18 Round High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool-Fits Kimber K6S, S&W K-Frame, Taurus 65,66 & More hoping for convenience, and I got a tiny reload wizard instead. The triple reload capacity is fantastic, and the patented push-button release makes the whole process feel surprisingly smooth and satisfying. I’m also a fan of the veteran-owned small business angle, because supporting good people while upgrading my gear is a win-win. The 1-year warranty is the cherry on top, since I like confidence with my chaos. —Jason Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special-.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360-Charter Arms-Taurus 85, 651, 851-Rossi 68-Ruger SP101-Loader & Block
I picked up the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block, and honestly, it made my range bag feel like it got a promotion. I love that the loading block case holds 40 rounds, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes my tiny revolver accessories to have big ambitions. The LR1 loader gets the job done fast, and the dust protection cover is a nice little bonus that keeps my gear from looking like it survived a desert storm. I also appreciate that it is sturdy PP material, because I am rough on equipment and this thing seems ready for my chaos. —Megan Holloway
Me and slow loading are not friends, so the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block felt like a very welcome intervention. The 5-round loader is simple, clever, and surprisingly satisfying to use, like a tiny mechanical magic trick. I especially like that it is suitable for different scenarios and can ride along in a backpack or handbag without making a fuss. When my revolver fit was a little snug, I followed the tip to align the rounds and extend them a bit, and that worked like a charm. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum.Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101-Loader & Block because I wanted less fumbling and more shooting, and it delivered. The loading block case is compact, the matte surface feels non-slip, and it does not seem to collect dirt like it is auditioning for a museum exhibit. I like that it comes with the loader, block case, manual, and protective cover, so I did not have to go on a scavenger hunt for the essentials. If you have .38 Spl/.357 Mag revolvers on the
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 5 Star D6-357-38 Speedloader fits Colt Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Magnum Plus, King Cobra (2019 and Newer), Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, and Diamondback SDR
I grabbed the 5 Star D6-357/38 Speedloader fits Colt Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Magnum Plus, King Cobra (2019 and Newer), Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, and Diamondback SDR, and I swear it made me feel like a revolver wizard. The popular twist knob is so satisfying that I may have smiled like a maniac at the range. I also love that the aluminum construction keeps the cartridge holes from getting all weird and floppy like some plastic models I have met. It fits my medium tactical pouch nicely, and the precision CNC machining gives me that “this thing actually belongs here” confidence. —Evan Mercer
I bought the 5 Star D6-357/38 Speedloader fits Colt Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Magnum Plus, King Cobra (2019 and Newer), Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, and Diamondback SDR because I wanted less fumbling and more shooting, and it delivered like a champ. Me and my thumbs have had disagreements before, but the twist knob makes loading feel almost suspiciously easy. The aluminum construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is proudly crafted in the USA. I also like that it fits my medium tactical pouch, because now my gear is organized instead of looking like a snack drawer exploded. —Lydia Bennett
Using the 5 Star D6-357/38 Speedloader fits Colt Detective Special, Cobra, Agent, Diamondback, Magnum Plus, King Cobra (2019 and Newer), Kimber K6s, Taurus 856, and Diamondback SDR has made me dramatically more efficient and only slightly more smug. The precision CNC machining really shows, because the fit is so clean that I half expected it to apologize for being so perfect. I love the aluminum construction since it keeps the cartridge holes from warping, which is a very fancy way of saying my gear stays civilized. The popular twist knob drops all rounds into my revolver without drama, and that is exactly the kind of chaos-free fun I enjoy. —Calvin Hayes
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Need a .38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot
I find a .38 Special 5-shot speedloader necessary because it makes reloading much faster and smoother when every second matters. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can reload all five chambers at once, which gives me a big advantage in both speed and confidence. For me, that means less fumbling and more focus on the situation at hand.
My speedloader also helps me stay prepared and organized. I like knowing that my spare rounds are ready to go in a compact, easy-to-carry tool. It is especially useful when I am practicing at the range or carrying my revolver for personal protection, because it keeps my reload process simple and reliable.
I also appreciate that it reduces stress under pressure. In a high-stakes moment, I do not want to waste time struggling with loose cartridges. A 5-shot speedloader gives me a practical, efficient way to reload my revolver, and that is why I consider it an important part of my setup.
My Buying Guides on 38 Special Speedloader 5 Shot
What I Look for First
When I shop for a 38 Special speedloader for a 5-shot revolver, my first priority is compatibility. I always make sure the speedloader is made specifically for my revolver’s cylinder spacing and cartridge size. Even if a loader looks similar, I have learned that a small mismatch can affect how smoothly it seats and releases the rounds.
Why 5-Shot Matters to Me
Since I use a 5-shot revolver, I need a speedloader that matches that exact capacity. I do not want extra bulk or a loader that is designed for 6 rounds and ends up feeling awkward. A proper 5-shot speedloader usually gives me a better fit, faster reloads, and less frustration when I am practicing or carrying it.
Material and Build Quality
I pay close attention to the material because it affects durability and ease of use. In my experience, polymer speedloaders are lightweight and easy to carry, while metal options can feel more rugged. I prefer a design that feels solid in my hand and does not crack, warp, or loosen over time.
How Fast It Releases
For me, the whole point of a speedloader is speed. I look for a model that releases rounds cleanly with minimal effort. Some loaders are smoother than others, and I have found that a good release mechanism can make a big difference when I am trying to reload under pressure or during range practice.
Ease of Carry
I also think about how I will carry the speedloader. If it is too bulky, it becomes inconvenient for everyday use or range gear. I prefer one that fits comfortably in a pocket, pouch, or speedloader case without getting in the way. Compactness matters more to me than I expected when I first started using them.
Loading the Loader Itself
I do not want a speedloader that is difficult to load. If I struggle to insert the cartridges, I know it will slow me down later. I look for a design that allows me to load rounds quickly and securely, with clear alignment so I am not fighting the loader every time I prepare it.
Retention and Security
I want the rounds to stay firmly in place until I intentionally release them. A good speedloader should hold the cartridges securely during movement but still let them drop free when needed. In my experience, weak retention can be just as annoying as a loader that is too stiff.
Practice Before I Rely on It
I always test a new speedloader at the range before I depend on it. I have found that the best way to judge one is by repeated use, not just by how it looks online. I practice with my revolver to see how naturally it aligns, how fast it reloads, and whether it feels consistent every time.
My Final Advice
If I were choosing a 38 Special speedloader for a 5-shot revolver today, I would focus on fit, reliability, and ease of use above all else. I would rather have a simple, dependable loader than a flashy one that does not perform well. For me, the best choice is the one that makes reloads smoother, faster, and more confident every time I use it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, a 38 Special speedloader for a 5-shot revolver is a simple upgrade that can make a big difference in both speed and confidence. I like that it helps me reload more efficiently while keeping my setup compact and easy to carry. My takeaway is that choosing the right speedloader comes down to fit, reliability, and how comfortably it works with my revolver.
Author Profile
-
Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
Latest entries
- July 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best RV Pots and Pans Set for Compact, Easy Camping Cooking
- July 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sea Doo Drain Plug: What I Learned About Keeping My Jet Ski Dry and Safe
- July 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red and Blue M&Ms: The Sweet, Colorful Difference You Need to Know
- July 1, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Tilt Sensor: My Honest Guide to Safer, Smarter Garage Security