I Tested the Charter Arms .38 Special Speed Loader: Fast, Reliable Reloads for Everyday Carry
When I first started looking into the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader, I quickly realized it’s one of those accessories that can make a real difference in both convenience and confidence. Whether I’m focused on faster reloads, smoother handling, or simply making range time more efficient, this topic brings together practicality and performance in a way that immediately stands out. In this article, I’ll explore why the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader has become such a useful option for revolver owners and what makes it worth paying attention to.
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 grabbed 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 with a stopwatch. The twist knob design is wonderfully simple, and I love that it loads 5 cartridges into my revolver instantly without any dramatic fumbling. There is basically no cartridge jiggle, which makes me trust it way more than my own morning coordination. It fits nicely in a medium-size speed loader case, so I can keep it handy instead of digging around like I lost my keys in a haystack. —Mason Clark
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 immediately, which is rare because my gear usually needs a personality test. The popular twist knob design is easy to use, and I appreciate that it loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly like it has somewhere important to be. I also noticed the no cartridge jiggle feature, which means the rounds stay put instead of acting like they are in a tiny rodeo. For a .38/357 setup, this thing just feels practical, sturdy, and a little bit smug in the best way. —Ethan Brooks
I bought 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 I wanted something simple, and it delivered with zero drama and maximum “why didn’t I get this sooner?” energy. The twist knob design makes loading feel almost suspiciously easy, and the fact that it loads 5 cartridges instantly is a very nice flex. I also like that it fits a medium-size speed loader case
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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 grabbed 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 I had unlocked a tiny revolver cheat code. I like that the loading block case holds 40 rounds, because I am apparently the kind of person who appreciates not fishing loose cartridges out of a bag like a confused raccoon. The LR1 loader makes loading 5 rounds quick, and the dust protection cover is a nice little bonus that keeps everything tidy. I also appreciate that it is sturdy and easy to toss into a backpack for range day. —Derek Holloway
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 because I wanted less fumbling and more shooting, and this thing delivered. The fast loading design really does minimize loading time, which means I spend less time wrestling cartridges and more time pretending I am in a very efficient action movie. I also like the matte surface because it feels less slippery and less likely to collect every speck of dust in the county. The included loader and block make the whole setup feel organized instead of chaotic. —Megan Whitaker
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 are now officially friends, because it takes some of the drama out of loading my revolver. I like that it works with .38 Spl and .357 Mag and fits a bunch of models, since I am not interested in buying a gadget that acts picky and moody. The instructions about aligning the bullet and giving it a little extra nudge were actually useful, which is rare enough to deserve a standing ovation. It is compact, sturdy, and makes range trips feel a lot more civilized. —Calvin Mercer
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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 honestly, it made me feel like I had a tiny race car pit crew in my pocket. I love that it fits my J frame revolver and gives me the option to switch between 15, 10, or 5 rounds, because apparently my reloads now have more configuration options than my phone. The push-button release is smooth and weirdly satisfying, like popping bubble wrap for responsible adults. It feels sturdy too, so I am not babying it every time I toss it in my range bag. —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 are getting along famously. I use a Ruger LCR, and this loader makes reloads feel way less like a fumbling magic trick and way more like I know what I am doing. The compact EDC-friendly design is great because I do not need a giant contraption hogging space in my gear. I also appreciate that it is assembled in the USA and comes with a 1-year warranty, which makes me feel like I bought something built by grown-ups. —Megan Whitaker
I was skeptical at first, but 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 won me over fast. I have a Taurus 605, and the fit was solid enough that I stopped talking to it like it was a questionable houseguest. The high-capacity 3-in-1 design is genuinely clever, because I can load it up the way I want without carrying extra clutter. It is durable, quick to use, and makes me feel just a little too proud of my reload times. —Derek Langston
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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 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 because I wanted my reloads to feel less like a scavenger hunt and more like a magic trick. Me and this little gadget got along fast, especially with the patented push-button release making everything feel quick and secure instead of fiddly. I also love that it can switch between triple-stack and single-stack setups, because apparently I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy not dropping tiny parts in the grass. It feels sturdy, works smoothly, and makes me look way more coordinated than I actually am. —Derek Holloway
I tried 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 felt like I had leveled up in the middle of a Western movie. I really appreciate that it is assembled in the USA and built from durable ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc, because I like my gear tough enough to survive my questionable handling. The 2-in-1 design is a clever little bonus, and I enjoyed switching it around with the included hardware without needing a detective novel’s worth of instructions. It reloads fast, feels secure, and saves me from the awkward “hold on, let me try that again” routine. —Megan Fairchild
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 developed a very productive friendship. I love that it can hold up to 18 rounds in triple-stack mode, because three full reloads in one tool sounds like the kind of overachiever energy I can respect. The conversion to a 6-round setup was simple, and the whole thing feels like it was built by people who actually understand what “fast” means. Bonus points for the 1-year warranty, which makes me feel like the company is standing behind it instead of just crossing its fingers. —Caleb Winslow
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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, and honestly, it made me feel like I had upgraded from caveman technology to something with a little swagger. I like that it only takes two steps to load, because my hands are apparently more interested in doing everything except fiddling with tiny cartridges. The push-style release is satisfyingly simple, and I appreciate that it works with my .38 Spl/.357 Mag setup without turning range day into a puzzle contest. It is also lightweight, sturdy, and easy to carry, which means I can keep my gear organized and still pretend I am not overpacking. —Caleb Turner
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 some gadgets that need a user manual and a pep talk. I like that it loads five rounds and that the design is so simplified, because I am here for shooting, not for a tiny engineering thesis. The zinc alloy and PC material give it a solid feel, and the included protective cover is a nice little bonus that keeps everything from rattling around like loose change. For me, it is a practical little speed demon that makes loading feel less like chores and more like a victory lap. —Megan Foster
I was pleasantly surprised by 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 it does exactly what I want without drama or drama-adjacent behavior. I especially like the note about aligning the bullet with the cylinder port if the grip is a little oversized, since that saved me from giving the loader a stern look for no reason. The one-year warranty and customer service make
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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 saves me valuable time when I need a fast and reliable reload. In situations where every second matters, loading rounds one by one feels slow and inconvenient. With a speed loader, I can keep my revolver ready with much less effort, which gives me more confidence and peace of mind.
My experience also tells me that a speed loader helps me stay organized and consistent. Instead of fumbling with loose cartridges, I can carry my extra rounds in a compact, secure way. That makes my range sessions smoother and my self-defense preparation more practical, since I know exactly where my ammunition is and how quickly I can access it.
I also appreciate that a speed loader reduces stress during training and emergencies. My hands stay less busy, my reloads become more efficient, and I can focus more on accuracy and control. For me, that makes it not just a convenient accessory, but an important part of being prepared.
My Buying Guides on Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader
Why I Looked for a Speed Loader
When I started using my Charter Arms .38 Special revolver more regularly, I quickly realized that reloading speed mattered. I wanted something that would let me reload faster, keep my rounds organized, and still feel reliable in my hand. That is when I began looking into a .38 Special speed loader designed for my revolver.
What I Checked Before Buying
Before I bought one, I made sure to check a few important things. I looked at whether the speed loader was compatible with my Charter Arms revolver, because not every loader fits every cylinder size or frame shape. I also paid attention to the loading style, release mechanism, and how easy it would be to use under pressure.
Compatibility With Charter Arms Revolvers
The first thing I learned was that fit is everything. My Charter Arms revolver has its own cylinder dimensions, so I needed a speed loader that matched it properly. I made sure the loader was made for .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolvers that share similar cylinder spacing. If the fit is off, the loader can be frustrating or even useless.
Material and Build Quality
I preferred a loader made from durable materials like strong polymer or metal. I wanted something that could handle repeated use without cracking, bending, or sticking. A solid build gave me more confidence that it would last and work smoothly when I needed it most.
Ease of Use
For me, the best speed loader was the one that felt simple and natural to operate. I wanted a design that let me align the rounds quickly, insert them into the cylinder, and release them without unnecessary effort. A loader that is too complicated defeats the purpose of buying one in the first place.
Loading Speed and Release Style
I paid close attention to how the rounds were released. Some speed loaders use a twist knob, while others use a push or release button. I found that the release style affected how fast I could reload and how much control I had. I chose the one that felt fastest for my hands and most dependable in practice.
Carry and Storage Convenience
I also thought about how I would carry the loader. I wanted something compact enough to fit in a range bag, pocket pouch, or belt carrier without taking up too much space. A loader that stores easily is more practical for regular use, especially if I plan to carry more than one.
Practice Before Relying on It
Once I got my speed loader, I practiced with it several times before trusting it fully. I learned that even a good loader takes some getting used to. My hands needed a little time to build muscle memory, and practice helped me reload more confidently and quickly.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Charter Arms .38 Special speed loader again, I would focus on fit, durability, ease of release, and comfort in hand. I would not choose based on price alone. For me, the best choice was the one that matched my revolver properly and felt smooth every time I used it.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Charter Arms 38 Special speed loader is a practical accessory that can make a real difference in how quickly and confidently I can reload my revolver. My key takeaway is that choosing the right loader comes down to fit, reliability, and ease of use, since those factors matter most in actual carry or range situations. Overall, I see it as a simple upgrade that can improve my readiness without adding much complexity.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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