Cartridge belt features

Pheroze

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I wonder if you folks would help me with the design of a cartridge belt. My tanned skins will be arriving at my taxidermist this week. The plan is to have a cartridge belt made out of some of it. I have been asked to send pictures of what I like.

I am wondering if there are some features that you folks particularly like or dislike? For example, this will be for my 375 specifically so not for a double. I have seen some with closed loops and others with just bands holding the cartridge. I have seen belts that are the same width all the way around and others that expand to accommodate the cartridge. Some have a utility belt look or knife sheath.

Any thoughts, pictures or design inspiration would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance
 
Pheroze, closed pockets is preferred. Open loops, even big ones just open on the end can stretch and the cartridges can slip out. Those closed on the bottom, made of leather seem to create a bit of "suction" that keeps them from popping out so easily.

Alternatively, you could go out and spend about $50 for the galco one that has the webbing, leather, loops and buckles already set. Cut off the leather ends and the "belt buckle" panel with the dumb buffalo on it, replace with your premium leather fittings and the brass buckle, and you have a proven winner. Odds of a problem would be much less as you're not having them guess on how to make the loops for you as the canvas would all be already set and the pattern for the leather would be reverse engineered from the pieces cut away.
 
Thanks, I was concerned about the loops stretching over time so that's good advice. I recall reading a somewhere that the closed pockets collect crap and dirt over time.

I'm taken by the idea of a thick belt. Something about that leather especially once it has broken in a little. Here is a picture of one of my favourite designs. But I was thinking fold over flaps too. But, then again don't want it to be too bulky. Egads lol

Screenshot_20170316-192955.png
 
I wonder if you folks would help me with the design of a cartridge belt. My tanned skins will be arriving at my taxidermist this week. The plan is to have a cartridge belt made out of some of it. I have been asked to send pictures of what I like.

I am wondering if there are some features that you folks particularly like or dislike? For example, this will be for my 375 specifically so not for a double. I have seen some with closed loops and others with just bands holding the cartridge. I have seen belts that are the same width all the way around and others that expand to accommodate the cartridge. Some have a utility belt look or knife sheath.

Any thoughts, pictures or design inspiration would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Hi Pheroze,

I prefer closed bottom leather "loops", (each "loop" is more accurately described as an individual "pouch" preferably made specifically for your caliber, thereby snugly fitting each separate live round).
These individual "loops" are also made to about 3/4 of the actual length of each live cartridge, so that when I sit, bullet noses are not as likely to get bumped hard enough to push my ammunition far enough upwards that, one or more live rounds might drop off my belt when I'm otherwise busy hunting.
Likewise, even though I prefer leather, due to it's resistance to wear (but also partly due to it's "photo appeal"), I do have an all canvas version of the above, made by the "Boyt Harness Company" and it is also quite satisfactory, plus was much cheaper to buy as well.

Not sure if "Mulholland Brothers Leather" company is still in business or not.
But I also have an excellent 10 round leather cartridge belt from them that is for the .375 H&H, in the above described individual, close bottom "loop" or "pouch" for each individual live round.
However, this belt has two thick leather flaps, one flap over each 5 rounds.
These flaps are held down by one each per flap individual brass stud, (same idea as the flap and stud cover on leather US WW-I, issue holsters, for the American 1911 pistol).
There is no way a cartridge can work its way upward to then fall out at the worst possible place and time of a wilderness trek, unless of course you forget to button down your flaps.

Personally, I do not prefer "culling belt" style carriers, with so many loops that the cartridges go clear around me, as these are unnecessarily heavy when fully charged, especially in the large bore rounds.
Generally I prefer about 8 loops minimum, to 12 loops maximum but admittedly, my above described Boyt canvas one holds 15 rounds.
So, frequently I leave some of these 15 "loops" empty (again to avoid carrying excess weight while marching through the bush).

I like to wear my cartridge carrier over my right hip, since most of the time I shoot right handed, my right handed preference is especially so with my bolt action rifles.
And, so reaching for a reload is natural for me.
It always amounts to holding my rifle in my left hand, while plucking new cartridges from the belt with my right hand and stuffing them into the rifle with same, (magazine or double rifle or single shot, makes no difference, it's always the same old familiar drill).
It is always the same, even when only practicing on the rifle range at home, for an up coming hunt.
This results in being very comfortable reloading my rifle without having to take my eyes off the target (or the exact spot where the target had disappeared).
On the cartridge-free left side of my ammunition belt, I wear my knife sheath, (either fixed blade or folding knife, make no real difference).

Parting shot, as it were:
Murray Leather makes the very best cartridge belts I have seen.
If I did not already own more cartridge carriers than any man actually needs, I surely would save up my lunch money for long enough to order one from Murray, to fit the .375 H&H (my favorite hunting caliber).
Provided that Murray Leather does not hold any sort of copyright or patent on their belts, and if you more or less pattern your cartridge belts to something similar to theirs, I predict you will be happy.

Regards,
Velo dog.
 
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I have a Torel Model 4951. It appears Torel is no longer in business. Basically it is a piece of leather 4+" wide by 11". there are two pieces of very thin leather sown as hopefully show in the photograph to give shape to the large piece of leather, that wraps around itself and snaps closed. Holes are punched in the leather to provide places for the cartridges. Mine was originally made for regular magnum cartridges but I drilled holes in the bottom so that it would hold longer H&H cartridges. Making one out of your own leather would be simply done with an adequate sewing machine, snap riveter and leather punches of correct size.
 
OK
Hi Pheroze,

I prefer closed bottom leather "loops", (each "loop" is more accurately described as an individual "pouch" preferably made specifically for your caliber, thereby snugly fitting each separate live round).
These individual "loops" are also made to about 3/4 of the actual length of each live cartridge, so that when I sit, bullet noses are not as likely to get bumped hard enough to push my ammunition far enough upwards that, one or more live rounds might drop off my belt when I'm otherwise busy hunting.
Likewise, even though I prefer leather, due to it's resistance to wear (but also partly due to it's "photo appeal"), I do have an all canvas version of the above, made by the "Boyt Harness Company" and it is also quite satisfactory, plus was much cheaper to buy as well.

Not sure if "Mulholland Brothers Leather" company is still in business or not.
But I also have an excellent 10 round leather cartridge belt from them that is for the .375 H&H, in the above described individual, close bottom "loop" or "pouch" for each individual live round.
However, this belt has two thick leather flaps, one flap over each 5 rounds.
These flaps are held down by one each per flap individual brass stud, (same idea as the flap and stud cover on leather US WW-I, issue holsters, for the American 1911 pistol).
There is no way a cartridge can work its way upward to then fall out at the worst possible place and time of a wilderness trek, unless of course you forget to button down your flaps.

Personally, I do not prefer "culling belt" style carriers, with so many loops that the cartridges go clear around me, as these are unnecessarily heavy when fully charged, especially in the large bore rounds.
Generally I prefer about 8 loops minimum, to 12 loops maximum but admittedly, my above described Boyt canvas one holds 15 rounds.
So, frequently I leave some of these 15 "loops" empty (again to avoid carrying excess weight while marching through the bush).

I like to wear my cartridge carrier over my right hip, since most of the time I shoot right handed, my right handed preference is especially so with my bolt action rifles.
And, so reaching for a reload is natural for me.
It always amounts to holding my rifle in my left hand, while plucking new cartridges from the belt with my right hand and stuffing them into the rifle with same, (magazine or double rifle or single shot, makes no difference, it's always the same old familiar drill).
It is always the same, even when only practicing on the rifle range at home, for an up coming hunt.
This results in being very comfortable reloading my rifle without having to take my eyes off the target (or the exact spot where the target had disappeared).
On the cartridge-free left side of my ammunition belt, I wear my knife sheath, (either fixed blade or folding knife, make no real difference).

Parting shot, as it were:
Murray Leather makes the very best cartridge belts I have seen.
If I did not already own more cartridge carriers than any man actually needs, I surely would save up my lunch money for long enough to order one from Murray, to fit the .375 H&H (my favorite hunting caliber).
Provided that Murray Leather does not hold any sort of copyright or patent on their belts, and if you more or less pattern your cartridge belts to something similar to theirs, I predict you will be happy.

Regards,
Velo dog.

great design detail! Thanks. The weight is very important - I carried way too many 375 rounds last fall and it was a pain in our northern woods.

Do you think a pouch designed for a 375 H&H safely accomodate a cartridge based on the cartridge, such as the 308 Norma? Thinking out loud I guess the pouch length would be wrong even if the width was correct. Hmmmm
 
I have a Torel Model 4951. It appears Torel is no longer in business. Basically it is a piece of leather 4+" wide by 11". there are two pieces of very thin leather sown as hopefully show in the photograph to give shape to the large piece of leather, that wraps around itself and snaps closed. Holes are punched in the leather to provide places for the cartridges. Mine was originally made for regular magnum cartridges but I drilled holes in the bottom so that it would hold longer H&H cartridges. Making one out of your own leather would be simply done with an adequate sewing machine, snap riveter and leather punches of correct size.

If you uploaded a photo it unfortuately didn't show. Sounds like a very practical design.
 
I've used a Murray Custom Leather ammo belt for many years. All leather, great quality, works as well as any I've seen, and we've only gotten more attached as the years have gone by. The lovely patina it's developed speaks to the hunts it's served me on, and served me well.
 
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Velo-Dog, great input.

It's funny: as much as I love the idea of a canvas or leather culling belt I just don't have any need for one. And the weight with 15+ cartridges would be significant.

This one, Trader Kieth, would be my choice if I had to have a culling belt...but no. The weight would get the best of me.

480_Culling_Belt_-_May_2014.JPG


My preference is a now discontinued Texas Hunt Co. 5-shot belt slide. Very heavy duty, wide spaced elastic loops that are not likely to get sloppy. I've also used Uncle Mike's belt slides and even the plastic sheathes that come in the Federal Cartridge boxes of ammo. Simple and cost effective.

The Murray Leather ones look really, really good. I love the silent snap and full coverage. Still, it's just more weight than I really want to carry.

shellc-3b.jpg


It's really a balancing act for me. How to carry "just enough" ammo without adding weight. To each their own on this.

I like the cheap elastics, they look rather like crap but they work.

88401-88471.jpg
 

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I strongly prefer a flap over the cartridge bases, I have marred too many nice gunstocks with cartridges carried in an open top type belt. Guns carried in one hand "trail carry" can easily bump the cartridge belt. A flap prevents scratches and keeps it quiet too. If a quick reload is likely to be needed, the flap may be carried without the snap in place
 
I strongly prefer a flap over the cartridge bases, I have marred too many nice gunstocks with cartridges carried in an open top type belt. Guns carried in one hand "trail carry" can easily bump the cartridge belt. A flap prevents scratches and keeps it quiet too. If a quick reload is likely to be needed, the flap may be carried without the snap in place

This is exactly the reason I make all my cartridge carriers with a flap over. Even when worn on the left side of the belly button there is always some method of gun use that will have it in close proximity to the cartridge carrier. If I get into a hunting situation I will undo the flap and tuck it down behind the belt the carrier is on, so that if I need a fast reload there is no impediment to doing so. When the action is over (or if it does not eventuate) I can untuck the flap and close it again against any ongoing possibility of rifle - cartridge contact.
 
i have used the uncle mikes elastic black nylon on my 375 ruger, the nylon stretches, gives up its grip, and ends up losing shells for me after a year or two. my 2 cents
 
I have two Murray leather belt carriers. They are the plain open top and fit .375. I don't like the flaps although as stated they have some merit but I want nothing in my way if I need to reload.
Sounds like a neat project. I have a bunch of hippo skins coming back from Zim and want to have a few things made from them.
Regards,
Philip
 
I thought about flaps. I never considered that they would I protect the stock, interesting. I am a little concerned about fussing with them and the extra weight of the leather
 
Take a look at the Murray Leather site for ideas. I have a handful of Murray Slides, and one of his 2" belts. I can pack 10 rounds or add a second slide and take another 10 and can move them around the belt. If I have more than one rifle I change out the slides. This method works for me..
Have fun with your project keep us posted
 
I have really nice heavy leather cartridge pouches that fit my belt for heavy caliber rounds. They hold five rounds I think. But frankly the elastic nylon ones that fit over the stock work just fine!
 
..........If I get into a hunting situation I will undo the flap and tuck it down behind the belt the carrier is on, so that if I need a fast reload there is no impediment to doing so. ..........
Absolutely brilliant. Learned something new today.
 

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