5 Best 9mm Magazine Speed Loaders 2023: [Couple Duds!]

One of my least favorite things to do at the range, is loading my magazines. Granted, I’ve gotten better and faster over time, however, it’s still pretty tedious and a bit of a pain.

However, one day a range buddy of mine broke out a speed loader, and he was firing down range faster and more often then myself. He specifically started using them because of his arthritis in his hands, and needed the a good speed loader.

But, as you can imagine, not all speed loaders are the same. Since that day, I’ve purchased a bunch of speed loaders for different calibers. Some of them were junk, while others were not. Some, while they worked, were over priced.

Because of my use of these (and subsequent collection), I’m constantly asked what is the best 9mm speed loader. With the 9mm pistols being one of the most widely used, its no wonder this is commonly asked.

So, to help with this, I’m going to be listing some of my favorite speed loaders on the market for the 9mm – and also a couple of duds that you should avoid.

5 Best 9mm Speed Loaders from Best to Worst

Reviews of the Best 9mm Speed Loaders

Okay, so now that you can see my list, let me explain a bit more on why each one is where it is at, and how they compare. This section is really for those of you who need more detail. Otherwise, you can save yourself some time and just choose #1 above.

Caldwell Universal Loader

Best for Compatibility

• Versatile with many different calibers
• Adjustable Side Shims
• No Movement Tightening Knob
• Stable with no flexing

Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

Reader’s Grade

A-

Based on 9 Reviews

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Caldwell Universal Loader Review

While it looks like a weapon out of the movie Terminator, I find the Caldwell Universal Loader is very easy to use and is very compatible with most 9mm magazines while taking no strength to operate.

The Caldwell speed loader works with both single stack and double stack magazines – which usually isn’t the case. It can load multiple caliber sizes which include 9mm, 10mm, .357, .40cal and.45 cal ammunition. You don’t need a lot of strength with this baby, you can lock it in with the provided Lock Kob, throw in a round, and pull the lever.

This loader can easily adjust to different widths of magazines with supporting adjustable side shims . On top of all of this, it is made from polycarbonate which makes it practically indestructible. Overall, a fantastic option for any serious shooter. (Caldwell also has an incredible shooting bag HERE if you’re interested.)

My only issue is that this one takes a bit to get used to. It can feel a bit clunky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty simple. Also, this isn’t the fastest of them but it will definitely increase your speed. I listed this as my favorite though because of its price and that it covers other calibers and hasn’t failed me yet.

Caldwell Universal Pros and Cons

ETS Cam Universal Speed Loader

Best for Speed

• Loads pistol mags in seconds.
• Works with 9mm, .40 caliber, double or single stack mags.
• Picks rounds up from ammo tray.

Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

Reader’s Grade

D+

Based on 18 Reviews

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ETS Tactical Speed Loader Review

Speed…I am speed! The ETS or Elite Tactical System Cam Universal Speed Loader makes things go fast! It has the ability to cut your loading time down by half once you get the hang of it.

You never even have to touch the pistol ammunition itself. It will easily grab the bullets for you by sliding it along a tray of 9mm rounds in the provided grooves. All you do is load it up from the ammo box, insert the magazine loader in the bottom until it locks, and then push down the bullets into the magazine with a provided plunger.

It takes a little bit of strength to operate, but overall very simple. Again, this works with both a single stack magazine and a double stack magazines. Because you never have to force the bullets through the feed lips, it doesn’t have any danger of getting damaged. It is made of sturdy polymer here in the USA.

One thing to note, if you have arthritis, this is a still a good option. It doesn’t hurt your hands to use, however, when I say strength, its the pushing down on it. If you can’t do that, then this isn’t the best one for you.

ETS Elite Loader Pros and Cons

Our Grade

A

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

Reader’s Grade

A

Based on 20 Reviews

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Maglula 9mm Magazine Loader Review

The next one on the block is the UpLula Universal Magazine Loader. It is made with military grade material – which that statement always makes me chuckle and vets know why.

I’ve used it to load 9mm, .45, and .380 without any problems.

It also carries the ability to self-adjust to any size magazine because of its shims and loads with ease. The key to this magazine speed loader is reliability, without any pain!

Made to load both single and double stacks, this piece of equipment is also made with indestructible polycarbonate, so it’s strong.

Truth be told, this UpLula Loader is also a favorite and you’ll find it in the range bag of a few of us here.

Maglula Loader Pros and Cons

Our Grade

A-

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

Reader’s Grade

C

Based on 4 Reviews

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Makershot Magazine Speed Loader Background

This magazine loader is simple! There is no moving parts and it easily slides onto any single or double stack magazine.

Made of excellent polymer material, this magazine speed loader is small enough to carry in your pants pocket and it won’t break.

What is not so great about this speed loader is that it is NOT universal. It is limited to 9mm, .40, and .380 caliber magazines.

So if you like basic and you don’t mind using some thumb strength, then you will love the Makershot Custom Speed Loader.

Makershot Loader Pros and Cons

Glock Magazine Speed Loader

Best for Cost Efficiency

• Loads all calibers
• single and double stack magazines
• No inserts, spacers or adjustments

Our Grade

B+

Reviewed by Dave Chesson

Reader’s Grade

B-

Based on 7 Reviews

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Glock Magazine Loader Review

The Glock Magazine Speed Loader is the most cost efficient one out today. Glock prides itself on ease of use and strength, and their speed loader delivers on that promise.

While it’s not the fanciest, it is made with very durable polymer and is the most cost effective.

No mechanics or parts to have to deal with, the Glock makes good on being easier on the hands and fingers. To use this product all you do is place it over the magazine, slide the ammo in, and push down the handle.

The Glock magazine speed loader is compatible with the Glock 9mm, .40, .357, .380, and the .45 calibers. Just be aware that there are a few Glock products it is NOT compatible with such as, the Glock G42 single stack and the 10mm magazines.

Glock Loader Pros and Cons

Best 9mm Speed Loader – Buyer’s Guide

There are many things to think about when looking at a 9mm speed loader for your gun. Luckily, in case you need more information before purchasing one, we’ve got the below guide to get you up to speed.

History of the Speed Loader

The most annoying thing when it comes to ANY firearm is the fact that eventually we have to reload it. Depending on the situation, if you don’t reload your weapon fast enough, you could die. Time is extremely valuable when it comes to weapons, high pressure, and real life situations.

When It All Began

(The father of the speed loader is attributed to William H. Bell in 1879. No one really knows if he ever actually mass produced anything. But what we do know is that Bell made a basic metal disk that could lock in 6 revolver rounds without falling out. When someone got used to it, and also used it properly, with almost any revolver of the day it worked very well. Despite the fact he never got a huge business off the ground, he did manage to get a Patent, #223100 for W.H. Bell’s revolver speed loader)

There was another competitor that came on the scene about 14 years later in 1893. His name was William de Courcy Prideaux. He was loyal to Queen Victoria at the time and had his own name for his design. It was called a “cartridge-packet holder”.

Just like with William Bells design, it functioned very similarly. It had 12 steel graspers in 6 groupings, that would hold one .455 round for a British Webley revolver. Because of his connection with the Queen his device became way more popular than Bell’s, especially with the army officers of the day. Prideaux also got a patent for his design.

Prideaux’s design was eventually improved upon years later, and even made its way to WWI where it was highly used. This was interesting because, for a very long time as more weapons were developed, particularly the semi-automatic, this speed loader silently went underground.

A New Era of Speed Loaders

Despite near universal interest in the new semi-automatic handgun design by militaries around the world, one notable gun toting demographic clung to their wheelguns well into the late 1970s: American law-enforcement officers. For the most part of the 20th century, American police were issued revolvers and if they even carried reloads for them at all, they did so single cartridge belt-loops or in dump pouches.

(As the semi-automatic grew in popularity especially with the military the revolver was removed as the “go to” weapon of choice. However, the one arena that continued to utilize the revolver was the US Police force. The metal speed loaders of the day, better known as dump pouches, were not very effective so it created a huge need for a new type of speed loader. J.M Hunt took that challenge of creating a new speed loader and a new era began.

With so many revolvers and weapons being developed, the need for inexpensive, and dependable speed loaders was a must. So a company in 1968 named Dade, constructed a plastic prototype with the use of metal springs to keep tension on the ammo. This proved to be a breakthrough and once an individual was trained, they could reload in as little as four-seconds. Dade then became the Cadillac of speed loaders and every police officer around the country was getting trained and using them.

Fast forward to today, there are so many speed loader options on the market it is very hard to choose what REALLY improves your “speed”! Regardless, the speed loader is an absolute for any and every shooter. With over 140 years under its belt, the speed loader proves to be an important piece for the gun owner to have in their range bag and will continue to be reimagined as we move forward.

How Does it Work

With so many speed loader options today to tell you HOW each one works would be a very big undertaking. So to keep it brief and to the point here is a high level view of how a speed loader works.

1. Start with an empty gun magazine.
2. Place the magazine into the “slot” provided.
3. Insert a round of ammo into the space or gap designed for placement.
4. Push or squeeze so the ammo gets loaded into the magazine chamber.
5. Repeat until magazine is fully loaded.

Considerations When Purchasing

When deciding to buy a 9mm speed loader, there are 3 things you’re going to want to consider.

The first is making sure you have the correct speed loader for the correct magazine and caliber. You don’t want to have something that’s too big or small, this may cause problems during operation and loading rounds causing all sorts of problems. You don’t want to be that person that thinks that a speed loader is universal just because it is called a speed loader.

Second, is durability. You really do tend to get what you pay for. So when deciding on a magazine loader you might as well get something that’s reliable and is built to last.

Finally, choose something that suits you. Meaning if you are not very strong or you struggle with arthritis in your hands, get something that you can squeeze rather than push down. Vice versa, if you are strong and have no issues with your hands you can be more flexible to get something that works well for you.

Overall, the important idea to remember is to just get something, you’re going to need it and your hands will thank you!

FAQs

Do speed loaders damage magazines?

Interestingly, loading and reloading by hand can likely do more damage than using a magazine loader. As long as you are using the mag loader correctly, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Is a magazine speed loader worth buying?

If you’re looking to save on time and also save your thumbs from ache and even potential injury, then absolutely – a a magazine speed loader is worth every cent.

Are mag loaders universal?

No. A lot of magazine speed loaders are not universal. This article is a great resource for understanding which mag loader is best for you and I highly suggest reading through.

Accessories

Now you should be on your way to getting a speed loader as a must have accessory. We can’t forget some of the other accessories that everyone should also consider. Here are a few options that you might need to replenish or buy for the first time.