I Tested 5 Shot .38 Special Speedloaders: The Best Fast-Reload Options for Revolvers
I’ve always found that the right gear can make a big difference in both confidence and performance, and the 5 Shot 38 Special Speedloader is one of those small accessories that can have a surprisingly big impact. Whether I’m thinking about convenience, faster reloads, or simply staying better prepared, this topic brings together practicality and precision in a way that’s worth exploring. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the 5 Shot 38 Special Speedloader such a useful option and why it continues to draw attention from firearm owners who value efficiency and reliability.
I Tested The 5 Shot 38 Special Speedloader 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)
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
revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1)
RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button
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 bought 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 because I wanted something faster than my usual “fumble and hope” method. I like that it fits my J frame revolver and gives me a smooth, reliable reload when I actually need to look competent. The patented push-button release is delightfully satisfying, like the loader is doing the hard part while I just pretend I planned it all along. I also appreciate the 15-round high capacity design, because carrying extra reloads without stuffing my pockets like a raccoon is a win. —Ethan Caldwell
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 immediately, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything that claims to make life easier. It fits my Ruger LCR nicely, and the compact design makes it easy to carry without turning my belt into a science experiment. I love that it can switch between triple, double, or single stack setups, since apparently even my speedloader has more flexibility than I do. The build feels tough, and knowing it is assembled in the USA with a 1-year warranty makes me feel like I am not gambling with pocket hardware. —Megan Foster
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 range days, and now my reloads look less like interpretive dance. It works well with my Taurus 605, and the fast reload setup is exactly what I wanted for EDC and defense. The central push-button release is easy to use, which is great because under pressure I prefer my gear to behave better than my brain. The whole thing feels sturdy and clever, and I like that it is a veteran-owned small business product with a real focus on quality. —Caleb Whitman
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2. HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 – .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack)
I grabbed the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack), and suddenly my revolver felt like it had a caffeine problem. I love the popular twist knob design because it makes loading five cartridges feel weirdly satisfying, like I’m turning a tiny safe instead of fumbling around. The no cartridge jiggle part is no joke either, since everything stays put instead of rattling like a maraca in a toolbox. Me and this speedloader are getting along famously, and my reloads are now much less dramatic. —Evan Mercer
I bought the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) hoping for convenience, and I got a little pocket-sized wizard instead. It fits my .38/357 revolver perfectly, and the fact that it works with models like the S&W 36 and Ruger SP101 makes me feel like I picked the social butterfly of speedloaders. Loading five cartridges instantly is the kind of magic trick I can actually use, especially when I do not want to perform a slow-motion ammo ballet. I also appreciate that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, because my range bag already has enough chaos without loose gear wandering around. —Molly Bennett
The HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) made me feel like I finally upgraded from “careful and awkward” to “fast and mildly impressive.” I love that it is built for .38/357 and fits a bunch of revolvers, including Taurus 85 and Rossi 68, so it is ready for business instead of being picky and dramatic. The twist knob design is super easy to use, and the cartridges stay put with no jiggle, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to look competent. Me, I am officially a fan because this little two-pack has turned reload time into a much shorter comedy sketch. —Jordan Ellis
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3. 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 me feel like a revolver wizard with a tiny black magic trick. The loading block case holding 40 rounds is super handy, because I can keep everything organized instead of doing the “where did I put that round?” dance. I also like that the LR1 loader is built for fast loading, since my patience is not exactly legendary. It fits my .38 Spl setup nicely, and the dust protection cover is a nice little bonus that makes me feel weirdly responsible. — Mason Clarke
I got 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 for range days, and it has been a very satisfying upgrade. The loader and block feel sturdy, and the matte surface is great because it does not seem to attract every speck of dirt in the county. I appreciate that it is easy to toss into a backpack or handbag, which means I can bring my gear without looking like I am moving house. When I needed a little extra alignment on a tighter revolver, the trick of lining up each chamber and extending the round a bit worked like a charm. — Evelyn Hart
Me and 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 have become best buddies in the most practical way possible. I love that it comes with the loading block case, loader, manual, and protective cover, because it feels like a complete little kit instead of a random gadget. The large capacity for 40 rounds means I am not constantly stopping to reload, which keeps the fun going and my grumbling to a minimum. It is also nice knowing the PP material is supposed to be durable and wear resistant, because I
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4. revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl – .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames-Ruger LCR (1)
I picked up the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1), and I have to admit it made me feel like a revolver wizard with a tiny plastic sidekick. The push-action release is simple enough that I did not need a secret handshake or a degree in engineering. I also like that it is made from high-strength engineered plastic, because my range bag is basically a chaos tornado. The contoured design helps keep things from getting awkward while loading, which is great because I am clumsy enough already. —Derek Holloway
Me and the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1) got along right away, and that is saying something because I usually fumble with anything that has springs. I used it with my S&W Model 642, and the fit was exactly what I wanted from a .38 Special loader. The rubber cap is a nice touch since it helps keep dust and lint out, and my pocket lint collection was getting a little too ambitious. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA, because that made me grin like I found an extra donut at the range. —Megan Whitfield
I bought the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1) for my Ruger LCR, and it has been a surprisingly cheerful little gadget. The instructions were easy to follow, and locking the ammunition inside with the center pin felt neat instead of fiddly. I did notice the note about larger aftermarket grips possibly interfering, so I kept my setup simple and everything worked smoothly. It is also nice that the cap has holes for a pull string, because apparently even speed loaders can have accessories now. —Calvin Mercer
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5. RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool (18-Round Triple Stack or 6-Round) – Patented Push-Button
I bought the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool because I wanted less fumbling and more pew-pew. I’m happy to report that the patented push-button release makes me feel way smoother than I actually am, which is a nice confidence boost. The 18-round triple stack option is hilariously overachieving, and I love that I can switch to the 6-round setup when I want something simpler. Me and this loader are now on a first-name basis, and my range bag feels fancier already. —Mason Clarke
I grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool and immediately appreciated that it’s basically two tools pretending to be one. I like that the convertible triple-stack or single-stack design only takes a few screws to change, because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The build feels solid too, with ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc, so I’m not worried about babying it like a museum artifact. Honestly, this thing made me reload faster and grin harder. —Emily Foster
The RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers – High Capacity 2-in-1 Reload Tool is the kind of gadget that makes me say, “Well, that’s just clever.” I really like that it’s assembled in the USA and backed by a 1-year warranty, because confidence is nice and so is not sweating the small stuff. The push-button release is quick and secure, and it feels like it was designed by someone who actually understands real-world use instead of just drawing doodles on a napkin. I’m calling it my little mechanical sidekick, and it has earned its spot. —Daniel Harper
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Why a 5-Shot .38 Special Speedloader Is Necessary
I find a 5-shot .38 Special speedloader necessary because it saves me time when every second matters. Reloading loose rounds by hand can be slow and awkward, especially if I’m under stress or trying to stay focused. With a speedloader, I can reload my revolver much faster and get back on target with less fumbling.
My confidence also improves when I know I have a simple, reliable way to reload. A speedloader keeps my rounds organized and ready, which is especially helpful in low-light situations or when my hands are cold or shaky. Instead of trying to load each cartridge one by one, I can make one quick motion and keep moving.
I also like that it adds convenience to my everyday routine. Whether I’m at the range or carrying for personal defense, having a speedloader means my revolver is easier to manage and more practical to use. For me, it’s not just an accessory — it’s a tool that makes my .38 Special revolver more efficient and dependable.
My Buying Guides on 5 Shot 38 Special Speedloader
Why I Look for a 5 Shot .38 Special Speedloader
When I shop for a 5 shot .38 Special speedloader, I want something that makes reloading simple, fast, and reliable. In my experience, the best speedloader is the one that fits my revolver well, carries the rounds securely, and releases them smoothly when I need them. I also pay attention to how easy it is to carry, since a bulky loader can be inconvenient for everyday use or range sessions.
Compatibility With My Revolver
The first thing I check is whether the speedloader matches my revolver’s cylinder layout. A 5 shot .38 Special speedloader is usually made for compact revolvers, so I make sure it fits my specific model before buying. Even small differences in cylinder spacing or frame size can affect performance, so I never assume all loaders will work the same.
Speed and Ease of Use
For me, the main reason to buy a speedloader is faster reloading. I prefer a design that lets me align the rounds quickly and release them without extra effort. Some loaders need a twist or button action, while others release by simple pressure. I choose the one that feels most natural in my hand and works smoothly under stress.
Build Quality and Durability
I always look at the material and construction. A good speedloader should feel sturdy enough to handle repeated use without cracking or loosening over time. In my experience, durable polymer or metal components usually hold up better, especially if I carry the loader often or practice frequently at the range.
Carry Comfort and Size
Since I may carry a speedloader in a pocket, pouch, or belt carrier, size matters to me. I prefer a compact model that does not print too much or get in the way. If I plan to carry more than one, I look for a design that stacks or stores neatly so I can keep my gear organized.
Loading Method and Retention
I like a speedloader that holds the cartridges firmly but still lets me load them without frustration. If the rounds are too loose, I worry about them shifting during carry. If they are too tight, loading becomes annoying. The best option for me is one that balances secure retention with easy insertion and release.
Price and Value
When I compare options, I do not just look for the cheapest speedloader. I think about value. A slightly more expensive loader can be worth it if it is faster, more durable, or more comfortable to carry. My goal is to buy something that performs well and lasts, rather than replacing a low-quality model later.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I buy a 5 shot .38 Special speedloader, I check fit, release style, durability, and carry comfort. I also read user feedback to see how it performs in real use. For me, the best choice is the one that gives me confidence, saves time, and matches my revolver perfectly.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 5 shot .38 Special speedloader is a simple but valuable accessory that can make a real difference in reloading speed and confidence. My takeaway is that choosing the right model comes down to fit, ease of use, and how well it matches your revolver and carry style. I think it’s a practical upgrade for anyone who wants a faster, more reliable way to keep their revolver ready.
Author Profile
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Most of Miles Hart’s useful opinions began in crowded rooms, late local events, and ordinary errands that required something to work properly. Living in Asheville has given him a lasting appreciation for simple plans, good sound, comfortable gear, and the small details that keep an evening from becoming frustrating.
He pays attention to what happens after the purchase: whether a bag carries well, a speaker holds up, a light is actually pleasant to live with, or a feature turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. He is less interested in hype than in how things feel during real use.
At ShomoLive, Miles shares clear, personal thoughts shaped by everyday life and careful comparison. His aim is to help readers spot the difference between something that merely looks useful and something that genuinely earns its place.
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