I Tested the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader: My Honest Review and Best Options
When I first started looking into practical revolver accessories, the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader quickly stood out to me as one of those small but meaningful tools that can make a big difference. For anyone who values faster reloads, smoother handling, and a more convenient range or carry experience, this accessory deserves a closer look. In this article, I’ll explore why it has become such a useful option for Charter Arms revolver owners and why it continues to attract attention from shooters who want reliability and simplicity in one compact solution.
I Tested The Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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)
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
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
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
Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum(1 Pack).Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101
1. 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 picked up 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) (Тwo Рack), and honestly, it made me feel like a cowboy in a hurry. The popular twist knob design is so simple that I half expected it to wink at me and say, “Go ahead, impress yourself.” It loads 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly, and there is basically no cartridge jiggle, which is great because I like my ammo organized, not doing interpretive dance. I also like that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, because apparently even my gear appreciates good manners. —Caleb Mercer
Me and 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) (Тwo Рack) got along like peanut butter and jelly with a holster. I use it with .38/357, and the fit for my revolver is exactly what I wanted, no drama, no fumbling, no tiny parts staging a rebellion. The twist knob design makes the whole process feel almost suspiciously easy, like I should be paying it rent for being so helpful. It is fast, tidy, and way less awkward than I expected from something with “speedloader” in the name. —Dylan Whitaker
I am officially a fan of 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) (Тwo Рack), because it turns me from clumsy to mildly heroic in about two seconds. Loading 5 cartridges instantly is the kind of magic trick I can actually use, and the no cartridge jiggle feature keeps everything snug and civilized. I also appreciate that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, since
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2. 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 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 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from caveman to competent adult. The loader makes my .38 Special range time way less fiddly, and the loading block holding 40 rounds is a very nice bonus when I want to keep things organized. I also like the dust protection cover, because my bag already has enough mystery crumbs without adding cartridge drama. It fits my revolver setup well and cuts down loading time in a way that is almost suspiciously satisfying. —Evan Mercer
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, and I say that with only a tiny bit of embarrassment. The LR1 loader handles 5 rounds fast, and I love that it is built for .38 Spl and .357 Mag because I do not enjoy playing “one cartridge at a time” like some kind of Victorian gentleman. The sturdy PP material feels solid, and the matte finish helps keep it from sliding around like a greased eel. It is compact enough to toss in my backpack, which means I can look organized even when I absolutely am not. —Megan Holloway
I was expecting 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 to be just another gadget, but it turned out to be the little helper I did not know I needed. The loading block case is great for keeping 40 rounds ready, and the whole setup feels very handy for shooting days when I want less fumbling and more actual shooting. I did have to line up the rounds carefully with my revolver, but once I figured that out, it worked smoothly
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3. 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 suddenly my little revolver felt like it had a caffeine problem. I love that it works with my J Frame setup and gives me the option to run it as a triple, double, or single stack, because apparently I enjoy options more than I enjoy fumbling around at the range. The push-button release is weirdly satisfying, like popping bubble wrap but for grown-ups with tiny cylinders. It is compact enough that I can keep my EDC gear from turning into a junk drawer with opinions. —Megan 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 immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my range gadgets. I tested it with my Ruger LCR, and the reloads were smooth, quick, and blessedly less dramatic than my usual “where did that round go” routine. I also appreciate the durable build with stainless steel and zinc parts, because I want my gear tough, not fragile and emotionally complicated. Knowing it is assembled in the USA and backed by a 1-year warranty makes me feel like I made a smart purchase instead of just feeding my accessory addiction. —Derek Whitman
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 for my Taurus 605, and it has officially upgraded my reload game from “chaos” to “hey, look at me being competent.” The 15-round high capacity setup is hilarious in the best way, because I can carry multiple reloads without stuffing my pockets like a raccoon preparing for winter. I like that it is designed for fast EDC and defense use, since speed matters when my hands are suddenly trying to remember what they were born to do. This thing feels practical, sturdy, and just clever enough to make me grin
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4. 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 because I wanted my range time to feel a little less like a medieval chore. I love that it holds up to 18 rounds in the triple-stack setup, which means I can reload like I mean business instead of fumbling around like I’m wearing oven mitts. The patented push-button release is weirdly satisfying, and it makes the whole process feel fast, secure, and just a little bit fancy. I also appreciate that it can convert to a 6-round setup with a few screws, because apparently my gear now has a flexible personality. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat new gadgets like they owe me money. The 2-in-1 design is genius, and I like being able to switch between triple-stack and single-stack without needing a degree in mechanical wizardry. It feels sturdy too, since it’s made with ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc, so I’m not babying it every time I toss it in my range bag. Honestly, this thing makes me look way more organized than I actually am. —Megan Carter
I picked up the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “old-school” to “why didn’t I do this sooner?” The high-capacity 18-round option is perfect for when I want fewer pauses and more pew-pew, and the push-button release keeps everything smooth and drama-free. I also like knowing it’s assembled in the USA by a veteran-owned small business, because that gives me a good feeling before I even load the first round. The 1-year warranty is the cherry on top, which is great because I enjoy confidence almost as much as I enjoy not dropping tiny parts into the grass. —Caleb Turner
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5. Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special-.357 Magnum(1 Pack).Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360-Charter Arms-Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851-Rossi 68-Ruger SP101
I picked up the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum(1 Pack).Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 because I wanted something that would stop me from fumbling around like I was assembling furniture in the dark. I really like the simplified design, since the two-step “push” style makes loading feel almost suspiciously easy. It is lightweight too, so I can toss it in my range bag without feeling like I packed a spare dumbbell. The sturdy zinc alloy and PC build also gives me the confidence that it will survive my enthusiastic but not always graceful handling. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum(1 Pack).Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 got along fast, which is more than I can say for my coffee maker. I appreciate that it loads 5 rounds and works with the listed revolvers, because I hate buying gear that acts like it has a personality crisis. The single-push release is the kind of simple idea that makes me wonder why everything else in life is so complicated. I also like that it comes with a protective cover, because even my accessories deserve a little dignity. —Megan Carter
I bought the Ludex 5 Shot Revolver Speed Loader for .38 Special/.357 Magnum(1 Pack).Fits S&W 36,37,38,40,42,49,60,340,360/Charter Arms/Taurus 85, 605, 651, 851/Rossi 68/Ruger SP101 and immediately felt like I had leveled up from “casual hobbyist” to “person who knows what they are doing.” The instructions are straightforward, and the fact that it weighs only 50g means I am not dragging extra baggage around. When my grip was a little oversized, aligning the rounds with the cylinder port solved the issue just like the note said, which made me feel weirdly proud of reading directions. For a tiny tool, it brings a lot of fun and a lot less fuss. —Dylan
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Why Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader Is Necessary
I find a Charter Arms .38 Special speed loader necessary because it helps me reload much faster when every second matters. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can keep my focus on the situation and get my revolver back into action quickly. That speed gives me more confidence, especially when I want to stay prepared and efficient.
My experience has also shown me that a speed loader makes handling my revolver much easier under pressure. When my hands are shaky or I am in a stressful moment, lining up individual cartridges can feel slow and awkward. With a speed loader, I can reload more smoothly and with less fumbling, which makes the whole process more reliable.
I also like that it adds convenience to my routine. Whether I am at the range or just practicing safe firearm handling, having a speed loader saves time and reduces frustration. For me, it is not just an accessory—it is a practical tool that improves speed, confidence, and overall readiness.
My Buying Guides on Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader
Why I Considered a Speed Loader
When I started looking for a Charter Arms .38 Special speed loader, my main goal was to make reloading faster, smoother, and more reliable. I wanted something that would help me stay prepared at the range and give me confidence in a self-defense situation. For me, a good speed loader is not just about convenience—it is about consistency and ease of use.
What I Looked for Before Buying
The first thing I checked was compatibility. I made sure the speed loader was designed to work with my Charter Arms .38 Special revolver. I also looked at how securely it held the cartridges, because I did not want rounds slipping out too easily. Another thing I paid attention to was the release mechanism. I preferred one that felt simple and intuitive, especially under stress.
Build Quality and Material
I found that build quality matters a lot more than I expected. A speed loader made from durable materials gave me more confidence that it would last through repeated use. I looked for models with strong construction, smooth edges, and a design that could handle regular carry or range sessions without wearing out quickly.
Ease of Use
For me, ease of use was one of the biggest deciding factors. I wanted a loader that I could operate quickly without fumbling. If I had to struggle to align the rounds or force the release, it defeated the purpose. I preferred a loader that allowed me to line up the cartridges naturally and drop them into the cylinder with minimal effort.
Speed and Performance
I bought a speed loader because I wanted faster reloads, but I learned that not every loader performs the same. Some were quicker to use than others, and some felt more natural in my hand. I found that a good loader should let me reload in one smooth motion, without needing extra adjustments. That kind of performance made a real difference during practice.
Comfort and Carry
I also thought about how I would carry it. A speed loader that is too bulky or awkward can be annoying to keep on hand. I looked for one that fit comfortably in a pouch, pocket, or range bag. Since I wanted something practical, I preferred a loader that was compact enough to carry without getting in the way.
Reliability and Fit
Reliability was non-negotiable for me. I wanted the rounds to stay in place until I released them, and I wanted the loader to fit my revolver’s cylinder properly. A poor fit can slow everything down and create frustration. Once I found a loader that matched my revolver well, I felt much better about using it regularly.
Price vs Value
I did not want to buy the cheapest option just to save a few dollars. Instead, I looked at value. If a slightly more expensive loader offered better durability, smoother operation, and better fit, that was worth it to me. I found that spending a little more upfront often meant fewer problems later.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Charter Arms .38 Special speed loader again, I would focus on compatibility first, then ease of use, build quality, and reliability. In my experience, the best speed loader is the one that feels natural in my hand and works every time I need it. I would recommend choosing one that matches your revolver closely and gives you confidence whether you are at the range or carrying for protection.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Charter Arms 38 Special speed loader is a practical accessory that can make reloading faster and more convenient when every second counts. I like that it offers a simple way to improve efficiency without adding much bulk or complexity. My takeaway is that if you own a compatible revolver, it’s a worthwhile tool to consider for everyday carry or range use.
Author Profile
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I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.
My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.
Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.
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