Methods, devices, and systems are provided herein for loading a band ligation barrel onto a surgical instrument. For example, a surgical system is provided for loading a band ligation barrel onto a surgical instrument that has a loading tube with a lumen to receive one or more band deployment cords of a band ligation barrel. The loading tube can be inserted through a first lumen of a surgical instrument. The system can also have a loading cap that receives a distal end of the loading tube, and a distal portion of the loading cap can be inserted into a distal-most opening of the band ligation barrel to secure band deployment cords therein. The system can also have a loading key that can be inserted into a second lumen of the surgical instrument, and a distal end of the loading key can engage with a proximal end of the loading tube.