How do you keep your bullet loops tight after usage. I've had one for my 30-30 butt stock. The holes are getting loose, and the bullets fall out. Is there a way to tighten them again?
When I build the loops, they are tight on a short radius. Sometimes, they look kind of like a snake coiling around my hands as I'm building the belt. When I put the backing on, it lays better. As the belt is stretched to a normal, "wearing" radius, they should stay snug. If anything, I expect them to be more for show, and not particularly fast to remove the rounds. I guess that's a long way to say build them tighter. CAVEAT - I have never done it, but I have heard of guys using liquid calcium to tighten leather. Use it sparingly, as a little bit will shrink leather, A LOT .... or so I'm told
I just purchased a fast draw rig for my bb/pellet revolvers. Problem is the cartridges are slightly too big to fit it. Its made from buffalo so i was wondering if the loops will stretch enough to fit them without ripping.
It probably depends on the construction. Slot cuts like mine, here, loosen when you bend around a tighter radius. Stitched loops tend to loosen when you bend them inverted to the natural bend of the belt. Buffalo isn't very absorbent, so even moisture may not help. Keep in mind, cartridges IN the loops are often more for show. Many craftsmen will even insert inert rounds as part of the rig. I send then out with the empty cases.
For the belt portion, I use regular Veg Tan, the same 8/9oz I use for holsters. For the loops, I use a lighter weight latigo leather that I usually get at a local muzzle loading shop. Actually, I feel the leather and pick out something that seems like it will work well. They are sold in 2-3" x 72" straps, and I'll cut those to width to meet me needs.
"For the loops, I use a lighter weight latigo leather that I usually get at a local muzzle loading shop. Actually, I feel the leather and pick out something that seems like it will work well. They are sold in 2-3" x 72" straps, and I'll cut those to width to meet me needs." I would guess they are in the 4-5oz. range.
Most loops are about 3/4". If they stack to close, the belt won't straighten out, and your rounds are stuck. 22s are closer, and I have a separate jig for those.
