A computer-implemented method, according to one embodiment, includes: receiving a read request for data stored on a magnetic tape, the data having multiple portions. For each portion of the requested data determined as not being located in a cache, a determination is made as to whether performing a locate command or performing a read command a plurality of times will retrieve the portions of the requested data that are not located in the cache in a shorter amount of time. The command determined to retrieve the portions of the requested data that are not located in the cache in the shorter amount of time are issued to a tape drive. Moreover, the portions of the requested data that are not located in the cache are combined with portions of the requested data that are located in the cache. Furthermore, the combined portions are used to satisfy the read request.