How do I make a Cartridge Belt Slide?

[George B]

Most of the ones I get orders for are the snap on type. Normally I stitch the loops on, but I have to make a set for a customer for the S&W 500 mag this weekend. I will use the loop through the back on these, they stick out a little farther but I feel will be more secure for the larger cartridges.

[SooperJake]

Do you happen to have a picture of the back of these, Dave?

Jake

Yep, pretty much what Marc said.I do mine a little different as I slot my top piece and weave the cartridge strap through the slots and attach on the ends. I also put snaps on mine at the bottom.Dave

[renegadelizard]

Here is another tip...go to springfield leather and order the 5 pack of horsehide belt blanks...this are thin enough for catridge loops, and quite firm...get them really wet for forming so they dont crack...when they dry they are rock hard...

Do you happen to have a picture of the back of these, Dave?

Jake

[prc77ro]

I am currently working on a gunbelt for a coworker for a pair of Uberti Scholfields and I may have gone a little overboard. the inside and outside belts are of 9-10oz and I ended up using 9-10oz for the cartridge loops. My main question is I only had 4 rounds to work with but I had a piece of 1/2" dowell rod that i cut into 2" sections to insert into each loop untill the leather dried. Now the cartridges drop right into the loops with the rim preventing the cartridge from falling out. Will this be ok in the long run or should I get another 8 cartridges(I'm putting 12 on each side) and reform the loops tighter?

[camano ridge]

The problem with the 1/2" dowel is that it is .50" and .45 cal is .45". SO yes they would fit loose. Yes the rim will keep the rounds from falling through. However there is the potential for rounds falling out depending on what activity he may be doing when wearing it and especially when he takes the belt off. If you did not stitch them in I would recomend loosening one end tighten all the loops and refasten.

[prc77ro]

Really wont be a big deal to cut a rivet out re-wet and redo at least its better than asking after cementing and sewing. I'm having him bring in an additional 8 rounds so I can do all 12 at one time.

Oh, and if I had a lathe I could have turned them to 0.46" or maybe in my 1/2" drill and some sand paper? Hmmmmm could be an excuse to buy another tool

[Craig44]

I think a half inch dowel is probably a tad too big too. A .45Colt, which is probably the largest pistol cartridge you'd typically make loops for has a diameter of .480" and the rim is only .512". So it wouldn't take too much for it to work its way out of a half inch loop. If you're doing .44Spl/Mag, .38-40, .44-40 or anything smaller, it's definitely too big.

[camano ridge]

You mentioned .46. I woul reccomend using something a tad bit smaller then the diameter of the cartridge. That way the cartridge will fit snug and over time and use it will loosen up but not enough to be a proble. Also if you are wetting your loops you will notice that although you pull them tight and they feel snug onec the leather dries they will feel a little looser.