Missing out by not trying HKS loaders, and only using Comp I's?

[WDR]

Am I missing out on anything by only using Safariland Comp I's in my J-frames.... Should I give HKS loaders a try? I've had good luck with the Comp I's, and have a small pile of them around. HKS loaders can be had for around the same price, but I've never tried them.

What is prompting this post, is thoughts of buying a .32 caliber version of the new Lipsesy's UC revolvers. I like the .38 version a lot so far, but I'm thinking I will eventually also purchase a .32 version. Comp I's are not currently available for the .32 (Is anyone at Safariland listening right now?). So I'd likely have to give HKS my business, and learn how to use them, if I buy a .32. I am wondering if I should just bite the bullet and get a couple .38 HKS to get used to them now. I know they are essentially "the standard" when it comes to speed loaders, and I feel like I should really learn to use them.

I know there are other options out there for both calibers, but these two are the most common, and most affordable options that actually work. Not really wanting to turn this into a broad speed loader discussion, as much as making sure I'm not missing out on something.

[BobM]

After having an issued Safariland loader jam and fail to release rounds back in the academy, I strongly prefer HKS. When I was shooting bowling pins with a 629 I did use a Safariland as it holds the rounds more rigid allowing a smoother reload.

I just picked up my 632 UC this afternoon. I already bought an HKS loader for it. My shipment from Lost River should be here Friday and hopefully I’ll get a chance to try the loader

[WDR]

The only problem I've had with the Comp I's is something (I suspect my Classic SD swiss army knife) working its way into the middle of the loader in my pocket and dumping the rounds by depressing the center stud/button. My fault for carrying other crap in the same pocket loose with the loader.

[Half Moon]

We all have our own experiences but, for me, HKS is the inferior choice in every way except availability in certain formats like the .32. They are slower, fiddlier, and prone to accidental release unless carried in a pouch. Push release generally trumps twist release. In my opinion anyways: spring push > gravity push > gravity twist > strips (though strips have the advantage of easiest carry. Pick your poison).

FWIW, Revolver Guy's testing of various options (which is pretty similar to my experience on the timer minus my never having even laid eyes on an SL Variant):

https://revolverguy.com/what-is-the-best-revolver-speedloader/

Acting under adrenaline dump, etc, I would only have limited faith in an HKS and might even prefer a speed strip.

[fatdog]

I agree with the idea of buy a couple and learn to use both, it is a very individual thing with these devices and what works best for you. Both are good products in my view. And not that expensive.

[jeep45238]

I have a supremely strong preference to push loaders and loath twisties. Speedbees is supposed to be working on a .32J loader, and I'd wait for that personally.

I loath twisties enough to prefer strips over them.

[CCT125US]

Speedbees is supposed to be working on a .32J loader, and I'd wait for that personally.

I loath twisties enough to prefer strips over them.

I'll definitely pick up a Speedbeez kit when they're available. I just bought a bundle deal with the HKS .32-J, 2 speed strips, and A-Zoom snap caps.

[revchuck38]

I've got a bunch of K and L frame Comp IIs and love them, they're what I use for carry. I've got several J frame Comp Is and have had poor luck with them; some of them work normally and others require stupid amounts of pressure to release the cartridges. I've gone to HKS for the J frames. I use the old Ted Blocker wire clips (https://tedblockerholsters.com/products/speedloader-clip) for the J frame (and N frame too) HKS speedloaders, they were apparently designed for them.

I've got enough experience with both types that switching between them is no big deal.

[Shawn Dodson]

I carried an S&W model 28 Highway Patrolman .357 Magnum on patrol in the 80s. I used HKS speedloaders and never had an issue.

I currently carry a Ruger LCR .327 Magnum and use HKS speedloaders, loose in my pocket, and haven't had a problem yet in the year I've been carrying the LCR.

I started out with HKS, I've ingrained the motor program to use them, and and I'm comfortable with them.

[BobM]

I've got a bunch of K and L frame Comp IIs and love them, they're what I use for carry. I've got several J frame Comp Is and have had poor luck with them; some of them work normally and others require stupid amounts of pressure to release the cartridges. I've gone to HKS for the J frames. I use the old Ted Blocker wire clips (https://tedblockerholsters.com/products/speedloader-clip) for the J frame (and N frame too) HKS speedloaders, they were apparently designed for them.

I've got enough experience with both types that switching between them is no big deal.

I used those Blocker holders when I’d carry my then issued Security Six or personal GP100 off duty (in a Bianchi Pistol Pocket)

[Half Moon]

I carried an S&W model 28 Highway Patrolman .357 Magnum on patrol in the 80s. I used HKS speedloaders and never had an issue.

I currently carry a Ruger LCR .327 Magnum and use HKS speedloaders, loose in my pocket, and haven't had a problem yet in the year I've been carrying the LCR.

I started out with HKS, I've ingrained the motor program to use them, and and I'm comfortable with them.

Different experiences. I've had HKS, carried loose in pocket, release on their own at least a couple times. I've also managed to bump the release knob in pocket at least a couple times, and probably more, working on F.A.S.T. times. Never a problem on the other hand with Comp I, II, III, or JetLoaders (though Bob M notes a jamming issue with Comps above).

[BillSWPA]

I am not sure if this is relevant but will post just in case: for a Colt Detective Special, the HKS are easier to insert into the cylinder.

[JonInWA]

I agree with Bill; which speedloaders work the best are often platform- and grip-specific. Both HKS and Safariland are highly competent mainstays. I only have one Comp! Safariland, because the small knob is difficult to use compared to the Comp II/IIIs and HKS. I've got equal amounts of Comp IIs and HKS for my GP100, and Comp IIIs for it as well. For my Security Six with its Trausch grips, I'm only comfortable with HKS.

Try both, or others, and seed what works best for you is my recommendation.

Best, Jon

[MolonLabe416]

I prefer HKS, but that’s 98% subjective primarily based on I’ve used the the vast majority of the time.

[Stephanie B]

I've used HKS for years, but 03RN got me into Safarilands and I've not looked back. Buying a loading block did make things a lot easier for matches. That there's only one thing to do (push them into the cylinder) is a lot easier under stress than inserting the loader, holding the cylinder to keep it from turning, and twisting the knob. And the Safarilands do hold them better in a pocket. The negative is that if you use a split-six holder, where the loader rests on your belt, you can push them down too hard and dump the rounds with a Safariland.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I've used HKS for my 32 SW guns. They work. Not the fastest - wear them on my belt for matches. The only problem I had was with wadcutters as I found them jiggly to get in the smaller holes. No intrinsic guiding of the front of the round.

For EDC, the competition Safari Land pouches didn't make sense for me, so I bought some Simply Rugged Holsters Sidewinder Speedloader/ Moon Clip Pouch. If I carried the 632 SS inch barrel gun in an OWB, I would use the Sidewinder for a couple of reloads.

However, if it's the 432 in my pocket - then a speed strip. Yeah, can't reload quick for them zombies but that's life or the undead.

[Hideeho]

I started using the new SL Variant made in Japan with my Pythons. I purchased extensions, which makes them appear similar to Comp IIIs. Using extensions makes them carry like magazines in my pocket. They are easy to access and don't move around, and I just punch the extension for a reload.

[BN]

We all have our own experiences but, for me, HKS is the inferior choice in every way except availability in certain formats like the .32. They are slower, fiddlier, and prone to accidental release unless carried in a pouch. Push release generally trumps twist release. In my opinion anyways: spring push > gravity push > gravity twist > strips (though strips have the advantage of easiest carry. Pick your poison).


I agree with Half Moon.

I've had HKS dump the rounds in a pouch and pocket. Safariland all the way for me if available.

A tip I heard for the Comp loaders. Wash them with Dawn dish washing soap in water and let them dry without rinsing. The residue from the soap lubricates them.

When the original IDPA rules for revolver were being developed, the size of the Comp IIIs was questioned. Hackathorn said that they are no bigger than a double stack magazine. :)

I am anxiously awaiting the Speed Beez for my 432UC.

[jh9]

The HKS loaders can vary depending on capacity, so it isn't just a matter of comparing HKS to Safariland. For example, the 6-shot L-frame HKS loaders had a lot of bullet "wiggle" when loaded. Meanwhile, the 7-shot L-frame HKS loaders held 6 of the 7 rounds as tight/still as Starline brass in a TK moonclip. Which made reloading considerably smoother.

Every 7-shot loader I've used behaved the same, so I assume it's a function of geometry rather than variation in manufacturing. So that's to say the 6-shot .32 HKS loaders may not behave the same as the 5-shot .38 HKS loaders you try out. Never used a 5-shot HKS J-frame loader so I can't compare, but this is something to be aware of.

All that said, it really doesn't matter. There's a lot to be said for consistency, but I never had a problem going back and forth between Bubberized Comp 3s in IDPA and HKS for steel challenge. BBI's non-targeted-defensive-gun-use info has kind of skewed my take on how important this sort of thing is in reality. It's probably worthwhile to have a speedloader because having a reload, even after the fact, could be important. But at this point I'm not super concerned about the fractional difference in performance outside competition where we hyper-fixate on that sort of thing.

Both HKS and Safariland have decades of history, stretching back to when police revolvers were a thing and any given IDPA match would have more than 0-1 shooters in SSR division. Pick one or both and drive on. Let personal experience take it from there.

[Crazy Dane]

I prefer Safariland's but HKS makes one for every revolver I own, I have to make do and I'm good with either.

I have broken 2 jet loaders and for the money they should not feel like a cheap toy.

I picked up 2 HKSs at a gun show that I do believe are knockoffs. I remember thinking the packaging was off, the knurling on the knob isn't as sharp and the engraving is different than others. I bring this up because I don't trust them to retain rounds in a pouch much less a pocket. The ones that I know are good I have no trouble with.

I do have 2 Ruger branded Pachmayrs for my SP101, (don't judge I had $100 Ruger bucks to spend so I got 2 of every speed loader for the SP). I really want to like these. They are solid built all aluminum, hold the rounds in with a vice like grip, knob is bigger than HKS which I like, not round so they don't roll away. The cons, more expensive and they release counterclockwise which is backward to HKS.

[WDR]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. Seems maybe I'm not missing much, but I may give the HKS a try anyway, just to get a chance to know what I don't know yet.



I do have 2 Ruger branded Pachmayrs for my SP101, (don't judge I had $100 Ruger bucks to spend so I got 2 of every speed loader for the SP). I really want to like these. They are solid built all aluminum, hold the rounds in with a vice like grip, knob is bigger than HKS which I like, not round so they don't roll away. The cons, more expensive and they release counterclockwise which is backward to HKS.

I thought maybe the Pachmayr loaders would be "the thing" ... they came out not long after I started my J-frame shooting. Initial reports were mixed, with many people reporting problems with them. I ended up not bothering to try them either. I have sometimes wondered if they ever improved them in the meantime.

[Crazy Dane]

When I got mine I had one of the same complaints found in the reviews, knob hard to turn. I found somewhere, I believe in the instructions that came with, they needed to be lubed. They freed up nicely.
The other complaints I seen were "they hit my grips" and "the o ring broke" well sand your grips and replace the o ring. The one I don't believe is "it fell apart." Its held together by an internal spring clip and you need tools to remove it.

I think the biggest mistake in these is the release is backwards to what was already on the market. Even knowing this it gets me almost every time when I try to use them at speed.

If all I had were Pachs, I don't think I would be displeased.

[WDR]

I think the biggest mistake in these is the release is backwards to what was already on the market. Even knowing this it gets me almost every time when I try to use them at speed.

If all I had were Pachs, I don't think I would be displeased.

Yeah, I thought that was an interesting decision in design as well. They look like really well made loaders... and I somewhat like the idea of something that isn't round and likely to roll away... or turn into a rollerskate under foot after a reload.

I wonder if Pach will ever make a .32 version if these new guns become more popular.

[Spartan1980]

I have a supremely strong preference to push loaders and loath twisties. [snipped]

I loath twisties enough to prefer strips over them.

Same...

[xtrtsqrt11]

I have used both HKS and Safariland. I have had good luck with both while my experience is greater with the HKS. I used the HKS in the academy as well (reference to the earlier post). I have never had either accidently release their rounds in pocket or pouch (most used) carry. I find the Safariland maybe slightly faster but not by much since I am very used to using the HKS models.

[That Guy]

Am I missing out on anything by only using Safariland Comp I's in my J-frames.... Should I give HKS loaders a try? I've had good luck with the Comp I's, and have a small pile of them around. HKS loaders can be had for around the same price, but I've never tried them.


When Safariland loaders work properly, I find them to be superior to HKS loaders. Having the cartridges release by inserting them to the charge holes and pushing the loader in is faster than having to shift my grip and turn the release knob. So as long as the Safariland loaders you have work, I'd say no, you're not missing out on anything. Of course the HKS loaders are cheap enough that you can get one just to try it out for funsies.

My problem is that the Comp I's for my Redhawk are super stiff and sometimes fail to release the cartridges completely, and Safariland never made their loaders for .45 Colt. So I'm stuck using both types of loaders. Oh well. Still scored first place in the last IDPA match I shot with my Mountain Gun using HKS loaders. Of course, I was also the only revolver shooter in the entire match... :p

[L-2]

I did buy an HKS 32-J speedloader for my Ruger LCRX in .327 Federal Magnum and it seems to work OK, given the stock grips.
I do seem to be more competent although slower, with a 9mm speed-strip.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015129410?pid=298637

Speedbeez has a .327 Fed Mag speedloader for the Ruger LCR which, conversely, should work with the 432UC, but I didn't (yet) buy one and won't even have my 432UC until next week.
https://www.speedbeez.com/product/speed-beez-ruger-lcr-speed-loader-327-magnum-6-shot/

For .38/.357, I've to HKS, Safariland, 5Star, Speedbeez, and even an SL Variant. As someone else mentioned, they'll all work but will depend on which grips and one's preference or twist knobs or push-release mechanisms. I too, have had a push-release type let go of all the rounds while carrying in a pocket. I also had some other old-school brand (Dade Machine Screw Products), now discontinued, which had some type of coiled spring wrapped around the circumference of the loader. Being an old cop, I gave these away to an even older cop who was more familiar with them, but I think the existing spring was just too worn or week for my liking.

I do like the ease of loading and locking the rounds into the loader with a twist knob. Also, depending on the loader, some may fit better in my pocket and not be too large.

A 9mm speed strip holds .32 S&W/.32 H&R Mag/.327 Federal Mag just fine or Tuff makes a .32/.327 version marked as such:
https://www.amazon.com/Products-QuickStrips-Reloading-Strips-Revolvers/dp/B004WUNIO4/ref=sr_1_7?crid=LXC9L6I15F7N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z57iMKIxx85BeFQFX4CiVeliZzuQENDbm gk3ckJzYuOPsMPGKuMTFYwRmh0hPQLQY66Q2AH65SUjeak-OmCHdLfJax8rxTn-6yMEIVl1BNQi4R89YYYXUFFmS2NYRC3UErgnYrj8u2VV53WqNy WL7G7hsRdJtzwv-tO21ULRuVosjSCq12We8wcDNzj1bKiWp984fDK0pHATFR5dNUv 8PQr1-gysYoFmwINiWQbVXn15PALDyO-RlJEY2ui_NaVSQvIAmWOJY4P-G6LnKx0vG8JlGcJxCdA3sDsJ4592xlk.4emd3yN7RSSzfIE9JF S9Lk1qG4nI0XpEP55YVxgsK0Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=9mm+speed+strip&qid=1714859386&sprefix=9mm+speed+strip%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-7

or

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1015338074?pid=518022

[xtrtsqrt11]

It just occurred to me that I have experienced one significant advantage of the HKS loaders over the Safariland. I had one work revolver that had a set of no name grips that caused the speedloader to hang up about halfway to being inserted. The HKS worked while the Safariland did not quite get far enough to reach the release.

[L-2]

Post 1,
Follow-up to my earlier post, now that I have my 432UC and shot it again today (2nd time).
The speed strip worked fine, loading 2 rounds at a time, whether I left a space inbetween each pair of rounds or all 6 in a row.

The HKS 32J worked ok, but with helped if I wiggled the speedloader while twisting the HKS's knob. I couldn't get the speedloader all the way down onto the cylinder, btw. Perhaps the grips, which I like, are a bit too fat in that area, as I've found with most speedloaders and my .38Special J-frames.

I did order a couple of 5Star brand .32 speedloaders and I'll see how those work on both my S&W 432UC and my Ruger LCRX in .327FedMag.

[L-2]

Update to my Post 29,

I received the 5Star "J2-327" speedloaders today and I cannot recommend them.

My two 5Star J2-327 worked ok with .327Federal Magnum ammo but the Hornady Critical Defense brand .32H&R Magnum ammo and Lost River .32 HR ammo, both somehow "torque" just a bit too much and bind up the speedloader.

I can make them work only if I hold the speedloader relatively still or vertical over the cylinder. Then I can twist the knob (counter-clockwise to release; opposite from the HKS speedloaders). Holding-the-speedloader over the cylinder isn't how I've used every other speed loader on the market and is an extra, convoluted method of dropping the rounds from the speedloader into the cylinder.

Federal .32H&R Mag "Personal Defense" ammo seems to allow twisting the knob without problem as did Federal's Personal Defense .327 Federal Mag.

I'll write a brief email/note to 5Star letting them know of my issue/problem with .32H&R Mag ammo other than Federal brand.

If only Federal ammo/brass is used, then the user probably won't notice any problems.

I'll only recommend 9mm/.32 speed strips and HKS speedloaders right now, otherwise. I've not bought a Speedbeez in .327, btw, due to its relatively high price, although it might work.
https://www.speedbeez.com/product/speed-beez-ruger-lcr-speed-loader-327-magnum-6-shot/

[L-2]

I've now bought a SpeedBeez .32/.327 speedloader specifically made or marked for a Ruger LCR.
https://www.speedbeez.com/product/speed-beez-ruger-lcr-speed-loader-327-magnum-6-shot/

This one SpeedBeez speedloader was over $50 delivered with tax & shipping, taking ~a week via USPS (least expensive shipping method).

So far, it's seemed to work well with the various brand of ammo I have in this caliber. Besides Federal ammo, it seems to load Starline brass, as used with Lost River ammo; whatever brass Hornady uses; and Fiocchi ammo.

The speedloader dispenses rounds using a push-method (no twist knobs) and generally seems well-made. This isn't my first SpeedBeez loader and do have them in the more popular .38/.357 caliber (as I type, I don't remember which S&W revolver models I have with this brand however, whether 5, 6, 7, or 8 round versions).

The SpeedBeez loader is long and won't fit in my generic-no-name-brand of leather covered speedloader cases. This loader will make a larger bulge in one's pocket if carried in that fashion.

The SpeedBeez loaded fairly easily into my Ruger LRCRX .327. This loader was ok loading into my S&W 432UC, although I think the stocks on the 432UC didn't allow quite as much clearance compared to when using the loader with the Ruger.

Overall, I'll likely use the SpeedBeez at the range, mostly for the Ruger, along with 5Star loaders (5Star when carrying or shooting .327FedMag).

For the S&W, I'll likely carry & use the HKS speedloader with the 9mm speedstrips.
I've been using the 8-round speedstrips and leaving a space between each pair of rounds, but I see Tuff also makes a 6-round 9mm version if that's what you'd want.
https://tuffproducts.com/7002-quickstrips-black-2-set/

If somebody just has the S&W 432UC/632UC, then I recommend either or both the HKS 32J speedloader and/or Tuff speedstrips. I don't have any preference to twist knob direction as the HKS releases with a clockwise twist (the HKS works fine for me with any brass/ammo I've so far tried).

I've spent enough on .32 caliber speedloaders and speed strips now. If there are other brands/models I've missed, I'll let somebody else buy, try, and review them.
With the 5Star brand, I wouldn't recommend at all unless you only use Federal brass and really want a counter-clockwise twist-to-release.

[sharps54]

I haven’t tried it but the Speedbeez loader may work in Simply Rugged’s Sidewinder holder.
https://www.simplyrugged.com/store/Sidewinder-Speedloader-Moon-Clip-Pouch-p594840640

[Edster]

I was a die-hard HKS fan. I bought some Comp IIs just to try.

I took the HKS's, Comp IIs, and a timer to the range.

With five fired shells and one live round loaded, from low ready, at the beep: fire, eject, reload, fire again. Check the total and split.

I was consistently about one second faster with the Comp IIs.