357 mag speed loader using 1/2" PEX and fired brass

[umslmjt]

This is another version of the speed loader inspired by Fortyshooter.
1/2" PEX tubing cut to 16 5/8"

finished.jpeg

Plugged one end with a fired 45 ACP case (primer removed and drilled out the primer hole a little bigger for visual inspection) The case is tapered enough to start easily and gets pretty tight. I didn't glue it in but some might do this for added insurance.

primerhole.jpeg

45ACP.jpeg

For the other end I cut 3/4" off a 45/70 fired case by holding the case head in a vise and cutting with a hacksaw (you can get 2x from one case). You might need to taper the PEX tubing just a hair with a file and then push the cut 45/70 case in 1/2 way.

4570.jpeg

Make one or two viewing ports by filling the tube with the desired number of cartridges (I used 10 .38 special and 357 mag). (I decided I really didn't need the 357 magnum viewing port after I finished the first speed loader as the 11th cartridge sticks out of the loader totally. Actually 11 .38 special (with the bullet and seating depth I was testing with) rounds fit in the speed loader and Henry also. I used a RotoZip bit chucked in the drill press to cut these sideways viewing ports.

viewport.jpeg

To stop the cartridges from falling out the open end, I drilled a 5/64 hole through the PEX. For locating this hole, I would load 11 .38 special and put the hole right after that... which will work for 10 357 magnums also. I drilled this off center of the tubing so the 5/64ths hair pin would be easier to put in and pull out. Adding some colored paracord to the hair pins will make them easy to find if dropped.

hairpin.jpeg

[PT7]

Very interesting intro thread, umslmjt. Good job.
Welcome to the HRF.

[CT_Shooter]

Thanks for sharing your information and welcome to the forum from CT. Glad you joined us.

[fortyshooter]

Looks like you got it!! Great job and welcome!

[Mags]

Welcome from the TV Oregon!

[MarkB]

Welcome to the forum. Always good to get an innovative DIYer join us.