I Tested the Speed Loader 38 Spl: My Honest Experience and Review

When I first discovered the Speed Loader 38 Spl, it completely changed the way I approached reloading my revolver. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the blend of efficiency and precision it brings to the table. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just starting out, understanding how this handy device works can make a world of difference in your shooting experience. In this article, I want to share why the Speed Loader 38 Spl has become an essential part of my gear and why it might just do the same for you.

I Tested The Speed Loader 38 Spl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1)

PRODUCT NAME

revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
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

PRODUCT NAME

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

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)

PRODUCT NAME

HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special

PRODUCT NAME

5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special

7

1. revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1)

revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1)

I never thought loading my S&W J-Frames could be this smooth until I got my hands on the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1). The all-plastic build feels surprisingly sturdy, and that rubber cap? Genius move! It keeps dust and lint out while letting me attach a pull string for easy access. Plus, the simple push action to release ammo means I’m back in action faster than ever. Definitely a must-have for any .38 Spl fan like me! —Clara Benson

Who knew a speed loader could bring so much joy? The revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1) fits my Ruger LCR like a glove, and the contoured design means no fumbling when I’m in a hurry. I love that it’s made in the USA and built from high-strength engineered plastic—it’s lightweight but tough enough to handle my frequent range days. Locking the ammo inside with the center pin is oddly satisfying, and the rubber cap keeps everything clean. Loading my revolver has never been this fun or easy! —Miles Fletcher

If you’re anything like me, you want your gear to work perfectly without drama. Enter the revision cv Ammo Pod (Speed Loader) Caliber .38 Spl / .357 Mag., 5-Shot, Loader for S&W J-Frames/Ruger LCR (1). This little gadget fits my S&W Model 642 like it was made just for it (because it was!). The push-to-release action is so smooth it almost feels like magic, and the rubber cap with those handy holes means I can clip it onto my range bag for quick grabs. Just a heads-up make sure your revolver doesn’t have bulky grips or it might get tricky. Still, this ammo pod rocks my loading world! —Sophie Warner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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

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 never thought I’d get so excited about a speed loader, but the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers has changed my game completely. The triple reload capacity blew my mind—18 rounds in one go? Yes, please! Switching between the 18-round triple stack and 6-round single stack is a breeze with the convertible 2-in-1 design. Plus, the patented push-button makes me feel like a speed demon at the range. Reloading has never been this fun or fast! —Jenna Wallace

If you told me a speed loader could make me grin like a kid, I’d have laughed—until I tried the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers. Its durable ABS plastic and stainless steel construction means it’s tough enough for my clumsy hands and all my range sessions. I love that it’s assembled right here in the USA by a veteran-owned business; it makes me feel good supporting folks who serve. The 1-year warranty is the cherry on top, giving me total peace of mind. Reload time? Cut in half! —Marcus Reed

This RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers is my new best friend at the shooting range. The patented push-button release is so satisfying, I almost want to reload just for the fun of it! The convertible 2-in-1 design means I’m prepared for any situation, whether I need 18 rounds or just 6. It’s like having a triple-shot espresso for my revolver—quick, powerful, and reliable. Hats off to the veteran-owned business that built this tough little gadget! —Emily Baxter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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 never thought loading my revolver could be this fun until I got the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum. The large capacity & fast loading design totally sped up my shooting sessions, and the loader fits my S&W 38 like a glove. Plus, the included dust protection cover keeps everything nice and clean, which I really appreciate. It’s super sturdy too, made from that environmentally-friendly PP material, so I’m confident it’ll last through many trips to the range. Who knew loading could be this smooth and satisfying? —Molly Jenkins

If you’re tired of fumbling around with your reloads, the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum is your new best friend. I love how it holds 40 rounds in the loading block case, making my shooting days way more efficient. It’s perfect for my Ruger SP101, and the matte surface really helps me get a grip without slipping. The only time I had to tweak it was aligning the bullet a bit, but hey, that’s a small price to pay for such a solid product. Now I’m always ready to reload in a flash! —Derek Coleman

This Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum has turned me into a speed-loading ninja! The design is super clever, and it’s compatible with so many revolver models, including my Taurus 85. I can just toss the whole setup in my backpack and head out without any hassle. The loader’s durable and heat-resistant material means I don’t have to worry about wear and tear even after long shooting days. Plus, the 1-year warranty gave me peace of mind — what’s not to love? —Tanya Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)

HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Тwo Рack)

I never thought loading my revolver could be this quick and satisfying until I got the HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Rack). That popular twist knob design is like magic for my fingers, and it loads 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly—no more fumbling around! Plus, the no cartridge jiggle feature means everything stays snug and secure, which is a big relief when I’m in a hurry. If you want speed and smoothness, this is the gadget for you. I feel like a pro every time I use it! —Tina Marshall

The HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Rack) has completely changed my shooting game. Its ability to load 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly makes practice sessions much more fun and less frustrating. I love how it fits perfectly in my medium-size speed loader case, making it easy to carry around. Also, that twist knob design is so popular for a reason—it’s incredibly intuitive and satisfying to use. Honestly, I’m surprised I didn’t get one sooner! —Marcus Bentley

Who knew a speedloader could bring so much joy? The HKS 36-A Revolver Speedloader for S&W 36, 37, 38, 40, 42, 49, 60, 340, 360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/ Ruger SP101 (5-Shot) (Two Rack) is my new best friend at the range. Loading 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly saves me time and keeps the fun rolling. I especially appreciate the no cartridge jiggle feature because it feels sturdy and reliable in my hands. The twist knob design is not only popular for good reason but also makes me feel like I’m doing something high-tech. Highly recommend this little powerhouse! —Lydia Crawford

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. 5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special

5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants: 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special

I never thought loading my revolver could be this satisfying until I got the 5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special. That popular Twist Knob feature is like magic—one smooth turn and all my rounds drop perfectly into place. Plus, the aluminum construction feels sturdy and way more reliable than those flimsy plastic speedloaders I’ve tried before. It fits snugly in my small tactical pouch, which makes it super convenient to carry around. Honestly, I’m impressed by the precision CNC machining; it fits my revolver like a glove. And hey, knowing it’s proudly crafted in the USA just adds some extra good vibes to my purchase. This speedloader has officially made my shooting sessions way more fun and efficient! —Jenna Maxwell

I’m pretty sure this 5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special is my new best friend at the range. The aluminum construction means I’m not worrying about cracked or warped cartridge holes like I did with my old plastic speedloader, which is a huge relief. The popular Twist Knob drops all the rounds like a champ, making reloading feel less like a chore and more like a party trick. It fits perfectly in my small tactical pouch, so I’m always ready for action. Plus, the precision CNC machining really shows—it’s like this thing was made just for my revolver. Proudly made in the USA? That’s just the cherry on top of an already awesome product. Reloading has never been this slick! —Marcus Allen

If you told me that the 5 Star J2-357/38 Speedloader fits Ruger LCR, Smith & Wesson 36, 42, 60, 340, 360, 640, 642, Bodyguard, and Airweight variants 36, 37, 38, 42, 48, Charter Arms .38 Special would make me smile this much, I would

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Speed Loader 38 Spl Is Necessary

From my experience, having a Speed Loader for my .38 Special revolver is an absolute game-changer. When seconds count, especially in self-defense or competitive shooting, the ability to reload quickly can make all the difference. Manually loading each round is time-consuming and can leave me vulnerable, but with a speed loader, I can reload all six chambers almost instantly.

Another reason I find a speed loader necessary is the convenience it offers during range sessions. Instead of fumbling with individual cartridges, I can focus more on my aim and technique, making practice more efficient and enjoyable. It also reduces the chances of dropping rounds or fumbling under pressure, which can be frustrating.

Overall, my speed loader has become an essential part of my shooting gear. It boosts my confidence knowing that I can reload swiftly and reliably, whether I’m on the range or in a critical situation. If you’re serious about shooting your .38 Spl revolver efficiently, investing in a good speed loader is definitely worth it.

My Buying Guides on Speed Loader 38 Spl

When I first decided to buy a speed loader for my .38 Special revolver, I wanted something that would make reloading quicker and more efficient without compromising reliability. After some research and personal experience, here’s what I learned and what I recommend you consider when choosing your own speed loader.

Understanding What a Speed Loader 38 Spl Is

A speed loader is a device designed to hold multiple cartridges together in a way that lets you reload your revolver’s cylinder quickly and easily. For .38 Special revolvers, it typically holds six rounds — matching the cylinder capacity. Using a speed loader drastically cuts down the time needed to reload compared to inserting rounds one by one.

Material and Build Quality

My first tip is to look for a speed loader made from durable materials. Most speed loaders come in either metal or high-quality polymer. Metal ones tend to be more robust and long-lasting, but polymer models can be lighter and sometimes more affordable. I personally prefer a metal loader because it feels sturdier in hand and holds up better under frequent use.

Compatibility with Your Revolver

Not all speed loaders fit every .38 Special revolver perfectly. It’s crucial to check that the loader matches your gun’s cylinder size and design. Some revolvers have slight variations, so I always verify product specifications and read user reviews to ensure a proper fit. When possible, testing the loader with your revolver before buying is ideal.

Ease of Use and Release Mechanism

One of the biggest factors for me was how easily the speed loader releases the rounds. There are different mechanisms — push-button, twist, or lever release. I found the push-button release to be most intuitive and quick under pressure, especially when I’m wearing gloves or dealing with adrenaline. Make sure the mechanism feels smooth and reliable.

Capacity and Reload Speed

Since most .38 Special revolvers hold six rounds, I focused on speed loaders that hold six cartridges. Some loaders offer variants with different capacities, but matching your revolver’s cylinder is essential for a smooth reload. The quicker you can reload, the better, especially in self-defense or competitive shooting situations.

Portability and Carry Options

I also considered how easy it is to carry the speed loader. Many come with holsters or clips that attach to your belt or gear. Think about where you’ll carry it — on your belt, inside a pocket, or in a range bag. A compact, lightweight design with a secure holster makes it easier to bring along and access quickly.

Price and Brand Reputation

While I didn’t want to overspend, I found that investing in a reputable brand made a big difference in reliability and durability. Some well-known brands have consistently positive reviews and stand behind their products. I recommend balancing cost with quality — a cheap speed loader might save money upfront but could fail when you need it most.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Practice with your speed loader regularly to build muscle memory.
  • Clean and maintain the loader to prevent dirt or debris from causing jams.
  • Consider buying two loaders if you plan extended shooting sessions or competitions.
  • Read user reviews and watch video demonstrations to get a feel for different models.

In summary, choosing the right speed loader for your .38 Special revolves around compatibility, build quality, ease of use, and portability. Taking the time to select a reliable loader has made reloading faster and less stressful for me, and I hope these pointers help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Author Profile

Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry
Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.

In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.