Cartridge Loop Spacing

[Modad2010]

Would anyone know what the spacing would be for the slots when doing the lace-through type cartridge loops on a western rig? This would be for .38/.357.

Thanks.

[glockanator]

https://youtu.be/hqYBjrxNyMg

This is a great video on how to measure spacing.

[Lobo]

This will vary a bit depending on the leather weights you are using. My belts are made with 7/8 oz. outer strap with 6/7 oz. inner strap, so the cartridge loops are installed on the 7/8 oz. side. I have used both 6/7 and 5/6 for the cartridge loops with good results. With these combinations I space the loop slots at 1/2" on centers for .38/.357.

[George B]

One thing I would add.

Error on the side of more than less. Too closely spaced and the cartridges press against each other.

Also, make sure your loop material is long enough to complete the job.

[Modad2010]

Thanks, Guys!

Doug

[Dwight]

One thing I would add.

Error on the side of more than less. Too closely spaced and the cartridges press against each other.

Also, make sure your loop material is long enough to complete the job.

Awww, c'mon George B, . . . that's what needles and thread are for

May God bless,

Dwight

[George B]

Well Dwight, I ended up short twice on the same rig. Definitely a "Dee-Dee-Dee!" moment.

It has never happened again and I have not had to sew, Haha.

Didn't want to tell everyone of my stupidity but you have forced my hand. I give advice from experience.

I have since taken to using a modified cloth measuring tape, using it with shell casings, to do the loops and then adding in for the leather.

So far it has worked well and is a lot faster than sewing or starting over again.

[Lobo]

Good point. For the woven cartridge loops I have found that it takes about 2.25" of strap per .38 caliber cartridge loop, so I cut the strap for 2.5"-plus times the number of loops. For .44 and .45 caliber it takes about 2.75" per.

Also, when weaving the loops they must be pulled up very snugly over the cartridges, and this should be done with the leather absolutely dry. If done with damp leather it will stretch as you pull up snug, and the strap will get narrower as you proceed.