Need help securing bullets to a hat band.

[dirkba]

Pop rivets or "blind rivets" is definitely the way to go. Make sure they have a good size flange - so they don't pull through the leather headband. You could use a relative small rivet with a washer between the flange and the leather, but everything ads weight and the .357 bullet is already heavy, depending on the projectile weight (normally 125gr / 158 gr).

A few of those on your head is going to be noticed....not only in looks but the wearer will feel the added weight! 

[CaptQuirk]

I believe the poster said they were discharged, and he was only using the shell?

Edited November 10, 2016 by CaptQuirk

[TinkerTailor]

You can solder standard hardware to brass and copper stuff. I use this technique to make 'penny rivets' like a concho

[Dwight]

The one thing for sure you want to do with pop rivets also, . . . drill the proper sized hole.

You want a hole that the rivet will go in, . . . but nothing extra.  

And there are short, small diameter pop rivets that will do your job nicely.

Like CaptQuirk said though, . . . the cheap guns really are that, . . . cheap, and don't last long.   Consider investing in a good one, . . . if you anticipate surviving another 20 or so years, . . . you will find many, many times where you said, . . . "Man am I glad I have this tool".  

I cannot tell you how many rivets I've gone through, . . . but I now own two rivet guns, . . . the old one I bought back in the 70's is all but worn out.

May God bless,

Dwight

[dirkba]

21 hours ago, CaptQuirk said:

I believe the poster said they were discharged, and he was only using the shell?

Misinterpretation...

 

On 11/10/2016 at 5:11 AM, Reverse2057 said:

pre-fired .357 Magnum brass bullets

Bullet by definition: - a metal projectile for firing from a rifle, revolver, or other small firearm, typically cylindrical and pointed, and sometimes containing an explosive.

As the reference "bullet" was used I thought the pre-fired shell casing would be capped with a projectile...to make it look like a real bullet!

[CaptQuirk]

Carrying a 357 myself, I agree the ammo is heavy. 20 rounds on my belt feels like another 10 lbs They do have dummy bullets that look reel, but are inert and likely a lot lighter.

[Reverse2057]

@Dwight

@CaptQuirk

@dirkba

@TinkerTailor

So I promised to show you all the finished product when it was done!  The pop rivets were a brilliant idea and one I went with. Drilling the bullets without a drill press was way hard, but I had some helping hands thankfully.  Was able to buy an entire hide of deeply oiled leather that's normally like $160 for only $80 today, so I jumped on the project and finished it up. Cut everything myself for the band, punched the holes, affixed it all m'self as well.  I'm super pleased with the results for it being my first time ever doing something of this nature, so thanks for all your help guys! :D!

 

Enjoy!!! 

http://imgur.com/a/1YtfD

 

[Dwight]

Good job, . . . enjoy it, . . . 

May God bless,

Dwight

[dirkba]

Well done ...it looks great!