Review: Butler Creek ASAP Electronic Magazine Loader

by
posted on July 9, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
butler-reloader-4.jpg

If you shot the recent 2020 USPSA Multi-Gun National Championship, you may have noticed one of the Butler Creek ASAP electronic magazine loaders ($199.95, butlercreek.com) set up at the pavilion at Universal Shooting Academy for competitors to load their AR magazines. You may even have received one of the Butler Creek ASAP loaders from the prize table. If you missed it, you missed a real treat. At a minimum, you missed having your rifle mags loaded for you while you wiped the sweat off, loaded pistol mags, talked to your friends or enjoyed a cold beverage. Here’s a brief review of the product for you, as I have been testing one for some time.

Butler Creek Electronic Magazine Loader


Let me say that this is not something that will fit in your range bag. I am still looking for the right place in my shop to park it among the reloading machines and bench vises. However, it does include two power options that make it handy both in the shop and field. If you have AC power at your range or in your vehicle, then simply plug it in. If not, then it can be powered with batteries (not included).

This device loads loose rounds into AR magazines, and allows the user to set the number of rounds. In my case, I load to 28, 38 and a variety of specialty lengths from 19 to 49. In testing, I used several types of magazines, including GI mags from various decades, Magpul PMAGs from various generations (20, 30, and 40 rounders) and Lancer L5AWM mags. I also used various types of ammunition, including Federal XM193, my reloads and Hornady Vmax (to test whether soft tipped ammo would work without damage to round or machine). In short, it fed every type of ammunition into every type of stick mag I had available without fail. I did not test it with the crew-served Magpul D60, as I already knew it wouldn’t work because of the mechanics of the drum and the relief lever (and of course the disclaimer).

Butler Creek ASAP Electronic Magazine Loader display


With reliability and accuracy out of the way, I moved directly to testing what we all live for—speed. I had to know which was faster—myself with a LULA Loader, or the ASAP. I’ve used both the MagLULA and the StripLULA for years for ARs, AKs and even PCC magazines. I figured best two of three would be a good test, and I accepted that I wouldn’t be as smooth, but tried really hard to beat the machine at all costs even if I dropped a round or two. I beat it on the first attempt, but lost significantly on the second, only racing to beat it on the third. It may not be faster for a single magazine, but I’m certain it is faster for loading 10, 20, or 30 magazines. And, it allows for multitasking as long as you keep the hopper full.

At a minimum, the ASAP is cool. It works well, and removes the responsibility of counting rounds or downloading. I can easily see it as a must-have for anyone who shoots a lot of ARs, an armory, squad room, range house or individuals who value their time and thumbs.

BUTLER CREEK ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE LOADER


Article from the July/August 2020 issue of USPSA’s FrontSight magazine.


See more: Top USPSA Production Handguns In 2019

Latest

Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3
Williams Colt Ipscminiriflepccworlds 3

Colt Pro Team’s Justine & Jalise Williams Help Spark Team USA’s Gold Rush At 2025 IPSC World Shoot

Justine and Jalise Williams, representing Colt and Team USA, captured team gold and top individual finishes at the 2025 IPSC PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot.

Results: 2025 Hillsdale College World Shooting Para Sport Grand Prix

Zachary Jones and Albert Fiori earn gold medals in respective Para Trap events at 2025 Hillsdale College WSPS Grand Prix in June.

WATCH: Aridus Industries Imperium Handguard For Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotguns

Aridus Industries unveils the Imperium handguard—a lightweight aluminum upgrade for the Beretta 1301 Tactical shotgun with improved grip and modularity.

The True Spirit Of Competitive Shooting

Competitive shooting is more than a sport—it’s a nationwide network of connection and encouragement that supports its members far beyond the range.

NRA Names Kyle Lamb As Brand Ambassador For America’s Rifle Challenge

Kyle Lamb joins NRA America’s Rifle Challenge as brand ambassador, bringing elite tactical expertise to enhance AR-15 competition, training and civilian marksmanship.

Review: Savior Equipment x Tam Specialist Covert Case

This versatile rifle case offers high-level protection and low-profile looks for serious competition shooters and frequent travelers.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.