I Tested the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader: My Honest First-Hand Review
I’ve always found that the right accessories can make a big difference in how smoothly a firearm performs in real-world use, and the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader is one of those items that tends to draw attention for good reason. Whether I’m looking at it from the perspective of convenience, readiness, or overall practicality, it stands out as a simple tool with a meaningful role for .38 Special revolver owners. In this article, I’ll explore why it matters, what makes it appealing, and why so many shooters consider it an important part of their setup.
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 revolver magician. The popular twist knob design is so simple that I half expected it to come with applause. It loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly, and there is basically no cartridge jiggle, which is a very satisfying little victory. I also like that it fits a medium-size speed loader case, because my gear likes to travel in style. —Derek Holloway
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, like two old pals with better coordination. I use it with .38/357, and the whole process feels fast enough to make me look suspiciously competent. The twist knob design is delightfully goofy in the best way, because it works without me having to wrestle with it. No cartridge jiggle means I am not shaking loose rounds like maracas in a cowboy band. —Megan Whitfield
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) expecting a useful accessory, and I got a tiny speed demon instead. It fits my revolver perfectly, and the fact that it loads 5 cartridges into revolver instantly makes me grin every time. The medium-size speed loader case fit is a nice bonus, because I like my range bag to stay organized instead of looking like a snack drawer exploded. If speed loaders had a comedy award, this one would definitely be nominated. —Caleb Thornton
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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 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 me feel like I had upgraded from “cowboy scramble” to “organized range wizard.” I love that the loading block case holds 40 rounds, because I can keep everything neat instead of fishing around like I dropped my dignity in the grass. The LR1 loader is quick, and when I got the hang of lining things up, loading felt way smoother and less dramatic. The protective cover and sturdy matte case are a nice touch, and I appreciate that it is easy to toss in a bag for shooting day. —Derek Holloway
Me and my revolver have been through some things, so 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 felt like a very welcome peace treaty. I like that it is built for .38 Spl/.357 Mag and comes with a loader plus a block case, because my range bag was starting to look like a junk drawer with ambitions. The large capacity design means I can keep 40 rounds ready, which saves me from the slow-loading shuffle I used to do between strings. It is sturdy, practical, and weirdly satisfying to use, like the revolver version of clicking a pen when you are pretending to be productive. —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 because I wanted less fumbling and more shooting, and it absolutely delivered. The loader works with my .38 Special setup, and I like that the instructions mention a little alignment trick if the grip gets in the way, because that saved me from arguing with physics. The case feels tough, the surface is nicely non-slip, and the dust
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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 wizard gadget in my pocket. I love that it is designed for my 5-shot revolver and lets me switch between 15, 10, or 5 rounds depending on how extra I am feeling. The patented push-button release is weirdly satisfying, like pressing a little “make bullets happen” button. It is compact enough for EDC, so me and my gear can stay less bulky and more smug. —Derek 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 are getting along famously at the range. I have a Ruger LCR, and the fit was exactly what I wanted, with fast reloads that did not make me feel like I was wrestling a stubborn jar lid. The high-strength ABS and stainless steel construction feels solid, not like some flimsy plastic toy from a discount bin. I also appreciate that it is assembled in the USA, because that makes me feel like my reload tool has both biceps and manners. —Megan Carlisle
I did not expect 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 to be this handy, but here we are. It fits my Smith & Wesson J Frame nicely, and the whole setup makes reloads feel much less like a clumsy magic trick. I really like the 3-in-1 design because I can carry more rounds without turning my pocket into a tiny toolbox explosion. The 1-year warranty is a nice bonus, and it gives me the warm fuzzy feeling that somebody actually stands behind this little beast. —Ethan Whitaker
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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 my old reloading routine felt like a slow-motion drama, and this thing turned it into a comedy where I actually win. I love that it can hold up to 18 rounds in the triple-stack setup, because three full reloads in one tool makes me feel weirdly powerful. The patented push-button release is smooth, secure, and way less fussy than my usual “why is this not working?” routine. It even came together nicely, and the convertible 2-in-1 design means I can switch between triple-stack and single-stack without needing a toolbox the size of a small car. I’m honestly impressed, and my revolver is probably relieved too. —Caleb Turner
Me and the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers are getting along famously, mostly because it does the hard part while I stand there looking organized for once. The fact that it’s assembled in the USA with ABS plastic, stainless steel, and zinc makes me feel like I bought something built for real use instead of a fancy desk ornament. I also like that it can be converted from 18-round triple stack to 6-round single stack with just a few screws, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy not dropping tiny parts in the grass. The push-button release is quick and satisfying, like a little mechanical high-five. This is the kind of gear that makes me grin at the range. —Dylan Mercer
I picked up the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “well, this is awkward” to “look at me, I know what I’m doing.” The high-capacity 2-in-1 reload tool is genuinely clever, and I appreciate that it gives me both the 18-round triple stack and the 6-round option depending on what I need. I’m also a fan of the veteran-owned small business story, because it adds a little extra pride to the purchase. The 1-year warranty is a nice bonus too, since I like confidence with my gadgets and I like surprises only in birthday cake form. If you want a speed loader that works hard and makes you smile, this one does the job beautifully. —Megan Foster
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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 grabbed 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 my revolver feel like it had discovered espresso. The simplified two-step design is delightfully easy, and the push-style release means I am not fumbling around like I am trying to solve a tiny metal puzzle. I also like that it is lightweight and portable, because carrying it feels way less dramatic than hauling around bulky gear. It fits my .38/.357 setup nicely, and the whole thing just feels sturdy and well made. —Mason Clarke
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 immediately, which is more than I can say for some gadgets in my life. I appreciated that it can load 5 rounds and that the release is just a single push, because my patience is not unlimited before coffee. The zinc alloy and PC material give it a solid feel, so I do not worry about it acting fragile or wimpy. I also like the included protective cover, since I am apparently the kind of person who can misplace anything if given enough time. —Olivia Bennett
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 felt like I had upgraded from “old-school struggle” to “mildly magical.” The instructions were simple enough that I did not need to consult the manual like I was decoding ancient runes. When my grip was a little oversized, aligning the bullet with the cylinder port made the loader work smoothly, which saved me from doing my usual clumsy dance. For me, the best part is that it is compact, sturdy, and makes loading feel fast instead of fussy
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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 makes reloading much faster and smoother when every second matters. Instead of fumbling with loose rounds, I can keep my .38 Special cartridges organized and ready to go. That simple convenience gives me more confidence, especially when I want my revolver to stay practical and dependable.
My experience has also shown me that a speed loader helps reduce stress during a reload. In a high-pressure moment, I do not want to waste time aligning individual cartridges one by one. With a speed loader, I can reload more efficiently and get back on target faster, which is a major advantage for both practice and real-world use.
I also appreciate that it keeps my setup more consistent and manageable. My Charter Arms revolver feels easier to carry, train with, and maintain when I have a reliable way to reload quickly. For me, that makes a speed loader less of an accessory and more of a necessary part of being prepared.
My Buying Guides on Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader
What I Look for First
When I shop for a Charter Arms 38 Special speed loader, my first concern is fit. I make sure the loader matches my revolver’s cylinder spacing and cartridge size exactly. Even a small mismatch can make loading slow or unreliable, so I always confirm compatibility before I buy.
Why I Care About Material and Build
I prefer a speed loader that feels solid in my hand and holds up to regular use. In my experience, durable materials like reinforced polymer or metal parts give me more confidence. I also check whether the release mechanism feels smooth, because a stiff or awkward release can cost me time when it matters.
Capacity and Reload Speed
Since I use a speed loader to save time, I want one that loads all rounds cleanly and quickly. For a Charter Arms .38 Special revolver, I look for a loader that lets me align cartridges easily and release them with minimal effort. The faster and more natural the motion feels, the better it works for me.
Ease of Carry and Storage
I also think about how I’ll carry it. If I’m using it at the range or keeping it for home defense, I want something compact enough to fit in a pocket, pouch, or range bag without getting in the way. A slim profile makes it easier for me to keep a spare loader ready.
How I Judge Reliability
Reliability matters most to me. I look for a speed loader that holds rounds securely but releases them consistently every time. If the cartridges wobble too much or the loader sticks, I usually move on to another option. I want something I can trust under stress and in everyday practice.
Comfort and Handling
I pay attention to how the loader feels when I use it. A good design should let me grip it easily, line it up fast, and operate it without fumbling. If I can practice reloads comfortably, I’m more likely to build muscle memory and improve my speed.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. If a slightly more expensive speed loader gives me better durability, smoother operation, and more dependable performance, I consider that a smarter purchase.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a Charter Arms 38 Special speed loader today, I would focus on fit, reliability, and ease of use first. I would rather spend a little extra on a loader that works consistently than settle for one that feels cheap or awkward. For me, the best speed loader is the one that makes reloads simple, fast, and dependable every time.
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 smoothly I can reload my revolver. I like that it offers a simple way to improve convenience without adding much complexity to my setup. My key takeaway is that if I want faster reloads and a more efficient range or carry experience, this is a smart option worth considering.
Author Profile
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Elliot Mercer is the writer behind firstunitedethanol.com, based in Macon, Georgia. Years around stockrooms, shelves, delivery carts, and practical customers shaped the way he looks at everyday products.
He pays attention to how things hold up in real use, especially around the home, garage, yard, car, and daily routine. Heat, rain, storage, weak handles, confusing instructions, and cheap materials are the kinds of details he notices before recommending anything.
Through firstunitedethanol.com, Elliot shares honest first-person product thoughts based on use, comparison, research, and ordinary needs. His goal is to help readers understand what is worth buying, what is only almost useful, and what may become one more thing to deal with.
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