A system for loading a plurality of items in series into a receptacle held in an item holding device, comprises a plurality of item holding devices each adapted for holding an item receptacle adapted to hold a plurality of items. A holding device moving apparatus such as a conveyor, moves the plurality of item holding devices through an item loading station with the item receptacles being oriented at a first angle to the horizontal. An item delivery apparatus delivers a plurality of items separately in series at an item orientation that is at a second angle to the item receptacles. The item delivery apparatus may include a metering device comprising a wheel member having a plurality of generally radially extending, generally equally spaced finger members, with all adjacent finger members being configured at a distance there between proximate end portions of said adjacent finger members. The radial position of the fingers, and thus the distance between end portions, is adjustable.