Experience with non-leather ammo slide pouches?

[Luminous Ham]

Hi,

I am looking for non-leather ammo slides with flaps/lids that will fit on belts. I have found a number of them, but do not know what size cartridges they hold (firmly). I am looking for sizes that will fit .243, .308, 9.2x62 and .416. I have found different ones, but funny enough they at most mention the size of the belt they fit on, not the size of cartridges the will fit.

And I am aware that I might not find one that fits all, but worried they are all for mid-size cartridges only.

In case somebody wonder why I do not just order them and eventually return them if I do not like them: I am based in Denmark and there are taxes, duties, and admin cost, adding up to at least 60 USD for each item - so they will end up being very expensive. But I am going to the US in a few months time so might be able to pick up one.

The ones I have found are:
Uncle Mikes: https://www.unclemikes.com/holsters/cartridge-slides/cartridge-slide-kodra/P00847.html
For that one the description does not change no matter what type one select, keeps insisting on holding six rounds although that is clearly not the case as per the picture. Anybody know what fits in this?

There is also this one from Brown Coat Tactical. I a ma bit cautious as it is not at all clear where they are based, migth be China in which case I have the 60 USD added expensive. Any experinces are welcome, both in general and cartridge sizes.
https://www.browncoattactical.com/product-p/h-rifle.htm

https://www.waffen-jakele.de/en/Nov...tors-rifle-slings/Jakele-Cartridge-Pouch.html

There is also this one, which can be kept open, but capcaty is a bit low, and I do not know what will happens when you have e.g. removed two bullets, will the others fall down:? https://www.markhusan.no/products/cartridge-pouch

I see some advantages to this, will hold all sizes apparently, but has a lid. Experinces are welcome: https://www.stagersport.co.nz/products/blaser-ammunition-belt-pouch

There really do not seem to be a lot of non-leather slides around, or at least I can not find them. Anyone know of more, please do let me know your experiences and cartridge sizes. Thanks

 

[JimP]

Here is what I use. There is no Velcro to make any noise and the shells are held in by plastic straps. It says that it will hold up to 300 Win mag but your 416 is just a step up from there, I'm not sure that you'll find just one that will fit in the range that you want.

MidwayUSA 10-Round Belt Slide Folding Rifle Ammo Carrier Black

The MidwayUSA Rifle Ammo Carrier is a must-have accessory for every hunter and shooter. This ammo carrier is made from abrasion resistant fabric to...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[mdwest]

The uncle mikes uses elastic bands. It will fit anything with a .243 sized case up to probably your 9.3x63.. anything with a wider case may work… elastic stretches well.. but you may not be able to use all of the slots as the cartridges may get too crowded…

It is primarily designed for typical American hunting calibers like 308, 30-06, etc..

As a rule uncles mikes makes functional, inexpensive, “universal” type gear.. it will work.. but don’t expect high quality or longevity from their stuff… they don’t use great quality materials, not the best stitching, etc..

Again, it will work.. there’s nothing wrong with it if that’s what your budget will support… but it’s definitely not gear you buy expecting it to last a lifetime..

 

[Luminous Ham]

Here is what I use. There is no Velcro to make any noise and the shells are held in by plastic straps. It says that it will hold up to 300 Win mag but your 416 is just a step up from there, I'm not sure that you'll find just one that will fit in the range that you want.

MidwayUSA 10-Round Belt Slide Folding Rifle Ammo Carrier Black

The MidwayUSA Rifle Ammo Carrier is a must-have accessory for every hunter and shooter. This ammo carrier is made from abrasion resistant fabric to...

www.midwayusa.com

Thanks, at least that would work for some of them cartridge. And no, I probably will have to get at least two different ones.

 

[spike.t]

Why don't you want leather?...is that totally or are sections OK with leather?

 

[Luminous Ham]

The uncle mikes uses elastic bands. It will fit anything with a .243 sized case up to probably your 9.3x63.. anything with a wider case may work… elastic stretches well.. but you may not be able to use all of the slots as the cartridges may get too crowded…

It is primarily designed for typical American hunting calibers like 308, 30-06, etc..

As a rule uncles mikes makes functional, inexpensive, “universal” type gear.. it will work.. but don’t expect high quality or longevity from their stuff… they don’t use great quality materials, not the best stitching, etc..

Again, it will work.. there’s nothing wrong with it if that’s what your budget will support… but it’s definitely not gear you buy expecting it to last a lifetime..

Thanks. If you know of something that fits "non-typical American calibers" without stretching it too much (but don't mind only using every second), let me know. The reason I am looking for non-leather is that there seems to be stretching, shrinking etc problems when they get wet, its freezing, etc.

 

[Luminous Ham]

Why don't you want leather?...is that totally or are sections OK with leather?

Some leather would be fine. Only because I have read that there could be problems with the leather.

 

[Luminous Ham]

On why not leather, I read some problems e.g here:
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/culling-belts-and-cartridge-slides.77317/post-1112820


And here https://rmkleatherworks.com/products/leather-ammo-belt-slide they say “It’s not recommended to hunt in the rain or get your leather gear wet. If your gear does get wet, remove the cartridges and allow them to dry at room temperature out of the sun.”

Other places too that I forgot.

 

[JimP]

Thanks, at least that would work for some of them cartridge. And no, I probably will have to get at least two different ones.

I just checked mine and it will hold a .410 shotgun shell quite easily. I also have one that I slip onto my .340 Weatherby mag for those shells. The slip on on stays primarily on my 410 SxS shotgun.

It is cheap enough that you can purchase one and try it out and see how the larger cases fit.

 

[spike.t]

Some leather would be fine. Only because I have read that there could be problems with the leather.

This one will last you years...know from experience....Will be good for 9.3 and 416 as have used those along with 300 win mag in mine..have 2 ..use one for the "smaller" ones and other for 416..458 lott

Shop & Services – J Roberts & Son

Shop & services scroll-down-icon Shop For Services please scroll down. ‘Okavango’ ammunition holder For up to 12 rounds of any size ranging from 9.3 to .500. Designed for wearing on a belt. £60 inc. VAT To order this item, please call 01403 741786, or email us. Made in England ‘Silent’ sling...

jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk

 

[Beck]

Murray custom leather makes slides with elastic loops - not sure if that works for you, but they are nice

 

[Luminous Ham]

I just checked mine and it will hold a .410 shotgun shell quite easily. I also have one that I slip onto my .340 Weatherby mag for those shells. The slip on on stays primarily on my 410 SxS shotgun.

It is cheap enough that you can purchase one and try it out and see how the larger cases fit.

Great, seems like a candidate then, much appreciated.

 

[Luminous Ham]

This one will last you years...know from experience....Will be good for 9.3 and 416 as have used those along with 300 win mag in mine..have 2 ..use one for the "smaller" ones and other for 416..458 lott

Shop & Services – J Roberts & Son

Shop & services scroll-down-icon Shop For Services please scroll down. ‘Okavango’ ammunition holder For up to 12 rounds of any size ranging from 9.3 to .500. Designed for wearing on a belt. £60 inc. VAT To order this item, please call 01403 741786, or email us. Made in England ‘Silent’ sling...

jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk

Also a great one! Thanks. Think it might end up being that one for the larger calibers!

 

[Beck]

These people also make some affordable slides - I don't have any experience with them, so I can't speak to their quality

Store

africangame.com

 

[pilar]

There higher then a giraffe’s ass price wise but they got all the sizes you need
my 375 ruger stretches elastic which will break if older

Somerset Open Cartridge Pouch

Check out the deal on Somerset Open Cartridge Pouch at African Sporting Creations

www.africansportingcreations.com

 

[deewayne2003]

Have you looked at Trader Keith’s ?

Trader Keith

 

[cajunchefray]

Dangerous Game Hunting 20 Loop Cartridge Belt

This dangerous game canvas cartridge belt is made from heavy canvas webbing with an antiqued finish and heavy russet leather billets. Brass buckles and rivets are used throughout. These are built tough, I know as I have been using the same one for over 15 years! Belt is 3" wide with 20 enclosed...

www.buffaloarms.com

Take a look at Buffalo Arms. I have one of these and it is extremely well made of heavy stitched canvas. Hold 458 Win Mag perfectly and is comfortable to wear.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Google "ammo wallet." I think you will find more options.

Over the years I've had to deal with elastic shell loops in my bird hunting jackets and vests. Ugh! Wish there was another option. The elastic loops lose elasticity or thread tears out between the loops. This past season I lost four 30-06 rounds that slipped through elastic on my rifle wallet.

Two years ago I ordered this five-round Cape buffalo "magnum" ammo wallet off ebay. It's a US based company that makes quite an assortment of items from African animal skins. This one was made for 375 but I made it work for 404 Jeffery. Heavily oiled it and waxed the tubes. Then forced dud rounds into the tubes upside down. That stretched the tubes sufficiently to hold cartridges snuggly but I can still pull them out easily.

One will need to remove ammo from a soaked ammo wallet no matter what it's made of. If it's well oiled and dried thoroughly , a leather wallet will not get moldy.

You specify a flapped wallet, therefore you need not be too concerned about the cartridges being gripped tightly in the tubes. The flap will keep them from walking away. Because my 404 is a dangerous game rifle, a flapped wallet is not desirable. If my gun is empty and the animal is still not down, I may need to reload fast, not be wrestling with holding a flap out of the way while trying to dislodge a loaded cartridge. Some bi-fold flapped two tiered wallets circumvent this ... somewhat. Pull up the flap and the more accessible fully exposed second tier flops down. However, it is still flopping as one is trying to pull ammo from the loops.

I am not a big fan of velcro. Indeed, the velcro on the ammo wallet I used for my 30-06 let go, causing four rounds to slip out of bottom tier while I was plains game hunting in August. Ordinarily, when deer/elk hunting I carry my 30-06 fully loaded with a box of ammo in the daypack. But in Africa I seldom carry the daypack. Only a couple of times in sixty years have I emptied my gun at an animal and needed to reload to finish the job (twice I think but offhand can only remember it happening with a moose in 1996). However, in Africa the abundance of game can result in several targets becoming available before returning to the vehicle. Typically, I carry four or five extra 30-06 rounds in my pants pocket and that suffices. Last August I gave the elastic loop wallet a go. Needless to say, it made a trip to the trash once I was back at the lodge.

I think you should reconsider leather ammo wallet with a SNAP DOWN flap. Perhaps buy a cheap fabric/elastic one for anticipated rainy days. For everyday use I think you would find those don't hold up well. Leather will last you a lifetime. My older brother still hunts with Dad's leather wallet from the 1940s. Mike once asked which guns he should leave me in his will. I said no guns, just that ammo wallet.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Have you looked at Trader Keith’s ?

Trader Keith

Agreed; Trader Keith makes quality canvas webbing best slides in several sizes. However they do not have the flaps that Luminous Ham mentioned in the original post.
I have one for the .375 H&H Magnum. The loops will fit your .308, but you run the risk of not being able to easily access the cartridge if it slips down, since the .375 H&H for which it is designed is so much longer than the .308 (and I presume the .243 as well). Also, these are for relatively narrow belts; the belt loops will only accommodate a 1-1/2" belt width.

 

[Luminous Ham]

Google "ammo wallet." I think you will find more options.

Over the years I've had to deal with elastic shell loops in my bird hunting jackets and vests. Ugh! Wish there was another option. The elastic loops lose elasticity or thread tears out between the loops. This past season I lost four 30-06 rounds that slipped through elastic on my rifle wallet.

Two years ago I ordered this five-round Cape buffalo "magnum" ammo wallet off ebay. It's a US based company that makes quite an assortment of items from African animal skins. This one was made for 375 but I made it work for 404 Jeffery. Heavily oiled it and waxed the tubes. Then forced dud rounds into the tubes upside down. That stretched the tubes sufficiently to hold cartridges snuggly but I can still pull them out easily.
View attachment 582122

One will need to remove ammo from a soaked ammo wallet no matter what it's made of. If it's well oiled and dried thoroughly , a leather wallet will not get moldy.

You specify a flapped wallet, therefore you need not be too concerned about the cartridges being gripped tightly in the tubes. The flap will keep them from walking away. Because my 404 is a dangerous game rifle, a flapped wallet is not desirable. If my gun is empty and the animal is still not down, I may need to reload fast, not be wrestling with holding a flap out of the way while trying to dislodge a loaded cartridge. Some bi-fold flapped two tiered wallets circumvent this ... somewhat. Pull up the flap and the more accessible fully exposed second tier flops down. However, it is still flopping as one is trying to pull ammo from the loops.

I am not a big fan of velcro. Indeed, the velcro on the ammo wallet I used for my 30-06 let go, causing four rounds to slip out of bottom tier while I was plains game hunting in August. Ordinarily, when deer/elk hunting I carry my 30-06 fully loaded with a box of ammo in the daypack. But in Africa I seldom carry the daypack. Only a couple of times in sixty years have I emptied my gun at an animal and needed to reload to finish the job (twice I think but offhand can only remember it happening with a moose in 1996). However, in Africa the abundance of game can result in several targets becoming available before returning to the vehicle. Typically, I carry four or five extra 30-06 rounds in my pants pocket and that suffices. Last August I gave the elastic loop wallet a go. Needless to say, it made a trip to the trash once I was back at the lodge.

I think you should reconsider leather ammo wallet with a SNAP DOWN flap. Perhaps buy a cheap fabric/elastic one for anticipated rainy days. For everyday use I think you would find those don't hold up well. Leather will last you a lifetime. My older brother still hunts with Dad's leather wallet from the 1940s. Mike once asked which guns he should leave me in his will. I said no guns, just that ammo wallet.

Thanks a lot for all this, points taken (I actually meant no flap/lid, my mistake, have now corrected it for new readers. But good point also about use when raining/not raining!