Does anyone know how these two calls/functions differ from one another? As far as I understand it they both perform the same action, only redirect() requires less typing.

They are NOT the same.

a redirect redirects you to a different URL.

$this->load->view() loads a view but you should still be in the same URL. This gives you the option to load different views in a method.

i used redirec() to take me to my homepage or wherever i want.

this will load a view plus data from your controller.