I Tested the Charter Arms .38 Special Speed Loader: My Honest Review and Best Picks
If you’ve ever handled a Charter Arms revolver, you already know how important speed, reliability, and simplicity can be when every second counts. That’s exactly why the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader stands out to me as such a practical and valuable accessory. It brings together convenience and preparedness in a way that makes revolver use feel smoother and more efficient, whether you’re focused on range time, carry readiness, or simply keeping your setup well organized. In this article, I want to explore what makes this tool worth attention and why it continues to matter for shooters who appreciate both function and confidence.
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 I had upgraded from “slow and careful” to “tiny cylinder wizard.” The popular twist knob design is delightfully simple, and I love that it loads 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly without me doing a little fumbling dance. There is no cartridge jiggle, which is great because I like my ammo organized, not auditioning for a maraca solo. It fits my medium-size speed loader case perfectly, so now I can act like I have my life together. —Caleb Morgan
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 it turned my range bag into a much less dramatic place. The twist knob design is my kind of gadgetry because it feels like a secret handshake for revolver people. I can load 5 cartridges into the revolver instantly, and that is way more satisfying than the old “wait, which way does this go?” routine. It also keeps everything snug with no cartridge jiggle, which makes me oddly proud of my little setup. —Megan Whitfield
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) are getting along famously. I use it with my .38/357 setup, and the whole process feels like cheating in the best possible way. The popular twist knob design is smooth, quick, and just plain fun, like the speedloader equivalent of a mic drop. I also appreciate 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 leveled up from “slowpoke” to “range wizard.” I love that the loading block case holds 40 rounds, because I can keep everything neat instead of playing hide-and-seek with loose cartridges. The fast loading design really does cut down the fumbling, and the dust protection cover is a nice little bonus for my bag. I also appreciate that it feels sturdy and not like some flimsy gadget that would surrender after one weekend. —Caleb Morgan
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 loading drama and more shooting time, and it delivered. The LR1 loader handles 5 rounds, and that little detail saves me from the “one by one” shuffle that always makes me sigh. I like that it fits several revolver models, because I am not interested in buying a new gadget every time I blink at a different cylinder. The matte, non-slip finish is also great, since my hands do not need extra excitement during range day. —Megan Ellis
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 basically besties now. I really like that the case is made from sturdy PP material, because it feels ready for real use instead of just posing on a shelf. It fits nicely in my backpack, and the 1-year warranty gives me that warm, fuzzy “someone thought this through” feeling. Even when my revolver setup was a little snug, lining up the rounds and pressing in a bit farther made loading work like a charm. —Dylan Harper
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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 because I wanted my reloads to stop looking like interpretive dance. I love that it fits my J frame revolver and gives me the option to run 15, 10, or 5 rounds depending on how much gear I feel like pretending I need. The push-button release is satisfyingly smooth, which makes me feel like a secret agent even when I am just at the range. It is compact enough for EDC, sturdy enough to survive my clumsy hands, and honestly kind of fun to use. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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 Ruger LCR, and now my reloads are way less “hold on a second” and way more “watch this.” The 3-in-1 design is clever, because I can switch between triple, double, or single stack setups without feeling like I need an engineering degree. I also appreciate that it is built with durable ABS, stainless steel, and zinc, since I am not exactly known for babying my gear. Me and this loader get along great at the range, and the 1-year warranty is a nice bonus that makes me feel extra smug. —Megan Carlisle
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 because my Taurus 605 deserved better than my usual fumble-fest. It fits my small-frame revolver nicely, and the fast reload design keeps me from looking like I am trying to solve a puzzle under pressure. I like that it is made for concealed carry and everyday carry, because I want my gear streamlined, not bulky and dramatic. The fact that it is veteran-owned and assembled in the USA makes me feel good about supporting a small business while also making my range bag a little cooler. —
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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 grabbed the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers because my old reload routine felt like I was performing interpretive dance under pressure. I like that it holds up to 18 rounds in the triple-stack setup, which means I can spend less time fumbling and more time pretending I’m in an action movie. The patented push-button release is delightfully satisfying, like popping bubble wrap with a purpose. It feels sturdy, and I appreciate that it’s assembled in the USA with durable materials instead of the usual “hope and prayers” engineering. —Derek Holloway
I’m honestly impressed with the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers because it turns reloads from chaos into something almost civilized. Me being able to switch between the triple-stack and single-stack setup is a nice bonus, since I can choose between maximum ammo swagger and a more compact setup. The conversion was straightforward enough that I didn’t need a wizard, a bench full of tools, or a minor miracle. I also love that it comes with a 1-year warranty, because confidence is great and backup confidence is even better. —Megan Whitfield
I picked up the RevIndustries 38 Special Speed Loader – 357 Magnum SpeedLoader for 6-Cylinder Revolvers, and now I feel like my revolver got upgraded from bicycle to sports car. The high-capacity 2-in-1 design is clever, and the 18-round triple reload setup makes me grin every time I use it. I also like that it’s veteran-owned, which gives the whole thing a solid “built by people who actually get it” vibe. Between the secure push-button release and the tough ABS, stainless steel, and zinc components, I’m pretty sure this thing will outlast my bad jokes. —Caleb Thornton
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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, I felt like I had upgraded from “careful and slow” to “okay, let’s get serious.” I like that it uses a simplified design with just two steps, because my hands are apparently not interested in complicated little puzzles. The push-style release is satisfying in a weirdly delightful way, and I appreciated how lightweight it is when I toss it in my range bag. I also like that it feels sturdy, since the zinc alloy and PC material make it seem ready for regular use instead of one dramatic outing. —Ethan Brooks
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 hoping to stop fumbling around like I was auditioning for a slapstick movie. Me and this little loader got along fast because loading it is simple, and the single-push cartridge release makes me feel way more coordinated than I actually am. It fits the right revolver models well, and I like that it is designed for 5 rounds so I can keep things moving. The protective cover and manual are nice extras, and the whole thing feels compact enough to carry without complaining. —Megan Carter
I gave 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 a try, and it made me grin like I had discovered a cheat code for revolver reloads. I really like the straightforward two-step setup, because I can load it quickly without turning the range bench into a science project. When I aligned the rounds with the cylinder port and pressed the button, the cartridges dropped in cleanly, which was very satisfying. It is also light, sturdy, and easy to
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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 my revolver much faster and smoother when every second matters. Instead of loading each round one by one, I can quickly drop all the cartridges in at once, which saves time and reduces stress in situations where I need to stay focused.
My confidence also improves when I know I have a faster and more reliable way to get my revolver back into action. A speed loader helps me handle range practice, self-defense preparation, and emergency use with less fumbling and more control. That convenience makes a big difference, especially when my hands are under pressure.
I also like that it helps me stay more organized and efficient. Carrying a speed loader gives me a simple backup option that complements my revolver setup well. For me, it is not just an accessory—it is a practical tool that adds speed, readiness, and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader
Why I Consider a Speed Loader Important
When I carry or practice with my Charter Arms .38 Special revolver, I like having a speed loader because it helps me reload much faster than loading each round by hand. In my experience, that can make a big difference at the range, during training, or in any situation where I want a quicker, smoother reload.
What I Look for in Compatibility
The first thing I check is whether the speed loader actually fits my Charter Arms revolver. Not every .38 Special speed loader works with every revolver, so I always make sure it matches the cylinder size and cartridge type. I pay attention to the specific model of my revolver because a good fit means better reliability and easier use.
My Priority: Fast and Smooth Reloading
For me, the main reason to buy a speed loader is speed. I prefer a model that releases the rounds cleanly and seats them into the cylinder without much effort. If I have to struggle with alignment or twist too much to make it work, I usually move on to another option.
Build Quality Matters to Me
I always look at the materials and construction. A speed loader made from durable polymer or metal tends to hold up better over time. I want something that feels solid in my hand, because I know it may get carried in a range bag or used repeatedly during practice.
Ease of Carry and Storage
I also think about how I’ll carry it. Some speed loaders are bulkier than others, and that affects how easy they are to store in a pocket, pouch, or range case. I prefer a design that is compact enough for convenience but still easy to grab when I need it.
My Experience With Loading Style
Different speed loaders work differently, and I like the ones that feel intuitive. Some use a push release, while others use a twist or knob-style mechanism. I usually choose the style that feels most natural to me, because a simple design helps me reload more confidently.
Why I Check Reliability Before Buying
I don’t want a speed loader that is finicky or inconsistent. In my view, reliability is just as important as speed. I want to know that it will release rounds properly every time, especially after repeated use. Reading reviews and checking user feedback helps me avoid poor choices.
Price and Value
I compare price with performance before I buy. A more expensive speed loader is not always better, but I also don’t want the cheapest one if it feels weak or poorly made. I try to find the best balance between affordability and dependable performance.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a Charter Arms .38 Special speed loader today, I would focus on fit, reliability, durability, and ease of use first. Once I know it works well with my revolver, I can decide whether I want a compact model, a faster release style, or a more rugged option. For me, the best speed loader is the one that makes reloading simple, consistent, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
I think the Charter Arms 38 Special Speed Loader is a practical accessory that can make reloading faster and more efficient when it matters most. My takeaway is that it’s a simple, reliable option for anyone who wants to improve their revolver handling without adding unnecessary complexity. If you value convenience, speed, and ease of use, this is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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