New Magazine Loading Tools From Speed Beez and Maglula

Loading magazines.  A critical task for a day at the range if you aren't one of those people with dozens of magazines that are all loaded ahead of your trip to the range.  2018 brought us two new rimfire magazine loading tools.  The Speed Beez Rimfire Pistol Magazine Loader and the Maglula Loader Unloader set for the Ruger 10/22.  I purchased each from Amazon last year with a plan to try them out and publish a short review on each.

Speed Beez Rimfire Pistol Magazine Loader

I stumbled onto this loader while searching for some spare Wilson Combat magazine loaders.  Speed Beez is a pretty big name in the revolver shooter world.  They have a broad range of revolver speed loaders, but this rimfire pistol magazine loader was new to me.  For $13.49 it was worth a try.

Step 1 - Fill the hopper.  I suggest 100 vs. 50

Step 2 - Shake to align the cartridges

Step 3 - Watch the video below to see a demonstration on the loading process.  I had success with Ruger and Browning magazines.  Other magazines were not available for testing.

The good news is the loader works as described if the weather is warm.  I initially tried this loader in cold weather and was ready to throw it in the garbage.  The wax on lead bullets can really play havoc with the reliability of this loader.  In warmer weather, it works great.

After much trial and error, I found that it's best to hold the loader at 45 degrees away from you and 45 degrees to your left if you are a right-handed operator.  This pitch and yaw seem to work best to eliminate problems loading the magazines.  Again, you will see this demonstrated in the video.

Bottom line, is it worth it?  I think so.  It's faster than manual loading and works best in warmer weather.

Maglula Loader UnLoader Set for Ruger 10/22 Magazines

Maglula Uplula has been in my range bag for many years.  It's been a fantastic friend when it comes time to load double stack center fire magazines.  It even helped cure a bad case of Glock-thumb I acquired during the 1990's Wonder 9 craze.  The concept is the same for the 10/22 magazine loader.  The loading tool depresses the follower while you shove another cartridge in the magazine.  Simple and very effective. 

The loader works with all 10/22 magazines and aftermarket magazines.

Snap your magazine int the loading tool.  Cut outs will help you orientate the magazine correctly.

The loader works with all 10/22 magazines.  The author's preferred TandemKross Double Kross magazines work wonderfully.

This is a workable hold for the loader as demonstrated on a Ruger BX-25 magazine.

Press down with your thumb to insert the cartridge.  Slide the cartridge to the rear and release the pressure with your thumb to start the next cartridge.

Maglula UnLoader Tool

If you have ever tried to unload a 10/22 magazine you will appreciate this tool.  I really can't describe the frustration of trying to push the cartridges forward with your thumb nail without having them nose dive back into the magazine.  It's awkward.  Luckily for us, Maglula now has a tool for that.  If the Maglula UnLoader was an Iphone app, I'd give it 5 stars in the App Store.

The UnLoader uses the magazine cap nut for perfect orientation.

Best used with both hands, hold the Unloader against the magazine while operating the lever to push out the cartridges.  For photo purposes, the Author demonstrates one-handed operation.

Bottom line, is it worth it?  Heck yeah if you are the kind of person that loads 10/22 magazines frequently.  The loader works great.  The unloader was something I didn't even know I needed until I tried it for the first time and really appreciated how easy it made unloading magazines.  Could I have lived the rest of my life without these tools?  Absolutely.  Do they enhance my enjoyment of my shooting hobby?  Yes they do, and probably much more than their $37.95 price tag.