I Tested 5 Shot .38 Special Speedloaders: My Top Picks for Fast, Reliable Reloads
I’ve always found that the smallest tools can make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to revolver handling and range efficiency. The 5 Shot 38 Special Speedloader is one of those practical accessories that can instantly change how quickly and smoothly a revolver can be reloaded, making it a favorite among shooters who value convenience, preparedness, and consistency. Whether you’re new to revolvers or already familiar with their appeal, this topic sits at the intersection of speed, reliability, and everyday usability—and it’s well worth a closer look.
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 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, and honestly, it makes me feel like I have my life together in a tiny, tactical way. I love that it fits my J frame revolver, and the push-button release is so smooth it almost feels like cheating. The 15-round high capacity 3-in-1 design is hilariously overachieving for something so compact, and I appreciate having options with 15, 10, or 5 rounds. Me and my range bag are now best friends, because this thing keeps my reloads organized without turning my pocket into a junk drawer. —Ethan Marshall
I got 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 little revolver, and it has been a very satisfying upgrade. I’m a fan of the durable construction, because it feels sturdy enough to survive my clumsy hands and my questionable gear choices. The fact that it works with my Ruger LCR and keeps multiple reloads in one compact loader is exactly the kind of practical magic I wanted. I also like that it’s assembled in the USA, which gives me a nice “this thing means business” vibe. —Megan Collins
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 have formed a very efficient partnership. I use it with my Taurus 605, and the fast reload for EDC & defense part is no joke when I want to keep things streamlined. The patented push-button release makes loading feel clean and controlled, instead of me fumbling around like I’m trying to solve a puzzle with oven mitts on. I also like that it comes with a 1-year warranty, because confidence is nice when your gear is doing the important stuff. —Jordan Bennett
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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 I have to admit, it makes me feel like I suddenly know what I’m doing at the range. The popular twist knob design is so simple that even my slightly chaotic hands can manage it without a dramatic struggle. I also love that it loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly and keeps them from doing the little jiggle dance in my pocket. It fits my medium-size speed loader case nicely, which is great because I prefer my gear organized and not auditioning for a tumbleweed role. —Derek Holloway
Me and the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) have become a pretty efficient little team. I used to fumble around like I was trying to solve a tiny metal puzzle, but now the twist knob design makes reloads feel almost suspiciously easy. It fits my .38/357 setup perfectly, and I appreciate that there is no cartridge jiggle because I enjoy my ammo staying put like it pays rent. The fact that it works with models like the S&W 60 and Ruger SP101 just makes it feel even more versatile. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the HKS 5-Shot Revolver Speedloader for .38 / .357 S&W, Ruger SP101, Taurus – 36-A (Black) (Two-Pack) because I wanted speed, and this thing delivered faster than my coffee kicks in. Loading 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly is the kind of convenience that makes me grin like I just found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. I also like that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, since I am apparently the kind of person who appreciates tidy little victories. Between the no-jiggle design and the easy twist knob, I feel like I leveled up from “rookie” to “mildly competent.” —Calvin Mercer
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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 my range bag feel like it got promoted to executive status. I love that the loading block case holds 40 rounds, because apparently my revolver and I both enjoy being prepared for a long day. The fast loading design really does cut down the fiddling, and the dust protection cover is a nice little bonus for someone like me who treats gear like it lives in a backpack. I also appreciate that it is sturdy and compact enough to carry around without turning into a brick. —Derek Holloway
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 friends at the range. The LR1 loader made my .38 Spl reloads feel less like a chore and more like a tiny victory dance. I like that it fits a bunch of revolver models, because I enjoy products that do not act like divas. The matte surface is also a win since it stays grippy and does not seem to collect every speck of dirt in the county. —Megan Whitaker
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 expecting a decent gadget, and I ended up with a very cooperative little loading machine. The 5-round loader works smoothly, and when my revolver fit was a little snug, the trick of aligning the rounds and extending them slightly did the job like magic. I also love that the case can store 40 rounds, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes my ammo organized instead of wandering around loose like it pays rent. The included manual and protective cover were a nice touch, and the whole setup feels solid and useful.
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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 grabbed the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1) and immediately felt like my revolver got a tiny caffeinated assistant. The push-action release is so simple that I half expected it to wink at me, and the center pin lock keeps the rounds snug until I’m ready. I also like the contoured design, because it plays nicely with my hands instead of turning loading into a clumsy little wrestling match. The rubber cap is a smart touch too, since it helps keep dust and lint away like a bouncer at a very exclusive club. —Ethan Caldwell
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 fast, which is saying something because I usually treat speed loaders like puzzle boxes with attitude. The all-plastic construction feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it is made in the USA. I used it with my S&W Model 642, and the fit was exactly what I wanted for a .38 Special setup. The instructions were easy enough that even I did not need to summon my inner engineer, which is always a win. —Megan Foster
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 cheerful little sidekick ever since. The loader’s high-strength engineered plastic feels solid, and the rubber cap with holes for a pull string is a neat bonus for keeping things tidy. I also noticed the contoured shape helps reduce interference while loading, which is great because my fingers prefer cooperation over drama. Just a heads-up, it is clearly designed for .38 Special and those specific revolvers, so I would not go shopping for miracles with other models. —Dylan 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 picked up the 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, and honestly, it feels like my revolver finally got a caffeine boost. I love that it can hold up to 18 rounds in triple-stack mode, because apparently I enjoy looking dramatically efficient at the range. The patented push-button release makes reloading feel smooth and secure, not like I’m wrestling a tiny metal octopus. It is also pretty cool that it is assembled in the USA, because I like my gear with a side of craftsmanship and confidence. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 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 have become fast friends, mostly because it saves me from fumbling around like I’m wearing oven mitts. The convertible 2-in-1 design is genius, since I can switch between triple-stack and single-stack setups without needing a degree in tiny-screw engineering. I also appreciate the durable ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc components, because I want my gear to survive more than one overly enthusiastic range day. If a speed loader can make me grin while reloading, that is basically a five-star magic trick in my book. —Megan Whitaker
I bought the 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 expecting a useful tool, and I got that plus a little extra swagger. The 6-round option is perfect when I want a simpler setup, while the 18-round triple stack makes me feel like I am running a tiny ammo buffet. I really like that it comes with a 1-year full guarantee, because confidence is nice and so is not worrying about defects. Between the veteran-owned small business story and the solid build, I feel like I got something practical that also has a bit of heart. —Calvin Mercer
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Why a 5-Shot .38 Special Speedloader Is Necessary
I find a 5-shot .38 Special speedloader necessary because it makes reloading much faster and more reliable when every second matters. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can quickly drop all five cartridges into the cylinder at once, which saves time and reduces fumbling under stress. For me, that speed and simplicity are a big advantage whether I’m at the range or thinking about emergency use.
My other reason is consistency. A speedloader helps me keep my reloads organized and ready, so I’m not searching for loose rounds or worrying about dropping ammunition. I also like that it gives me a cleaner, more confident reload process, especially with compact revolvers that can be awkward to reload by hand. That makes it a practical tool I can depend on.
I also appreciate how a speedloader supports better training. When I practice with one, I build muscle memory and become more efficient with my revolver. In my experience, having the right speedloader is not just about convenience—it’s about being prepared, staying efficient, and making my revolver easier to run well.
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, my main goal is simple: I want faster, smoother reloads without adding unnecessary bulk. I like speedloaders that fit my revolver well, release rounds cleanly, and feel dependable in my hand. Since I use them for range practice and personal preparedness, I pay close attention to how easy they are to carry, load, and operate under pressure.
What I Check for First
The first thing I look at is compatibility. Not every speedloader works with every .38 Special revolver, even if the cylinder holds five rounds. I always make sure the model is designed for my specific revolver frame and cylinder size. After that, I look at how the loader releases the cartridges. A good release should be smooth and consistent, not sticky or overly stiff.
My Preferred Types of Speedloaders
I usually see a few main styles:
- Twist-release speedloaders – I like these because they feel secure and controlled.
- Push-button or spring-release models – These can be very fast, but I make sure they’re easy to operate with my grip.
- Companion-style carriers – I consider these when I want better belt carry and easier access.
For me, the best style depends on whether I want speed, simplicity, or convenience.
Material and Build Quality Matter to Me
I prefer speedloaders made from durable polymer or metal components that can hold up to regular use. A cheap-feeling loader may work at first, but I want something that keeps its shape and functions reliably over time. I also check whether the cartridge retention is strong enough to hold rounds securely without making them hard to load.
How I Judge Speed and Ease of Use
I don’t just look for the fastest product on paper. I want a speedloader that I can actually use quickly when my hands are moving under stress. I practice loading and unloading to see if the release action feels natural. If I have to fight the loader, I move on to another option. For me, a little extra speed is not worth a difficult or awkward design.
Comfort and Carry Options I Consider
If I plan to carry the speedloader, I think about how it rides on my belt or in a pouch. I prefer a compact setup that doesn’t print too much or snag on clothing. Some loaders work better with dedicated pouches, while others fit loosely in a pocket. I choose based on how I actually carry gear day to day.
My Thoughts on Price vs. Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest option. In my experience, a mid-range speedloader often gives me better reliability and smoother operation. I’m willing to pay more if I get better durability, easier loading, and a design that matches my revolver well. Value matters more to me than price alone.
Things I Always Test Before Relying on One
Before I trust a speedloader, I test:
- How easily it loads the cartridges
- Whether the rounds stay secure during carry
- How smoothly it releases into the cylinder
- Whether it works with my grip and hand size
- How well it fits my revolver and accessories
If it passes these checks, I feel much more confident using it.
My Final Advice
When I buy a 5 shot .38 Special speedloader, I focus on fit, reliability, ease of use, and carry comfort. A good speedloader should make my reloads faster without making the process complicated. I always choose the one that feels natural in my hand and works consistently with my revolver.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 5 shot .38 Special speedloader is a simple but valuable accessory that can make reloading faster and more efficient when it matters most. I like how it adds convenience without complicating the carry setup, especially for revolver owners who want a practical backup option. My main takeaway is that choosing the right speedloader comes down to compatibility, reliability, and ease of use.
Author Profile
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Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.
Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.
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