What do you use for carrying your ammunition etc?

[WebleyGreene455]

This doesn't just apply to hunting, I'm curious about anything from hunting to hiking to just going for a walkabout on your property if you have some. I'm a fairly traditionalist person, so I like wood and steel rifles and leather equipment, and at the moment I'm thinking (at least for the basics):

Sam Browne-style belt (shoulder strap is good for support)
2 cartridge slides, either the same or different calibres if I have two rifles at hand
Holster & mag pouch (for hiking/walkabout, not hunting)
Knife & sheath
Utility pouch
Canteen + strap/belt holder

As far as a rucksack or backpack goes, there are plenty of lightweight canvas options out there.

What are thoughts on bandoliers? Useful? Not something to bother with? Good for some applications but abysmal for others?

~~W.G.455

 

[HunterCyclist1]

Carrying ammo while on a hunt is entirely different than carrying it for practice, event, etc. When I'm hunting I need very few rounds so sometimes i only carry what can be loaded in the gun.
The other extreme is participating in a run n gun, when I had magazines stuck pretty much everywhere I could fit them: in cargo pockets, a small sling pack, and of course a fully loaded handgun to boot.

For hiking, a loaded pistol and one spare mag.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

On most of my rifles I have slip over the stock elastic cartridge holster, about 6 to 8 cartridges. As long as you have your rifle you have your cartridges. My belt has an additional 5rds. in a leather els pouch, knife, ash bag pouch & torch. Light back pack is optional.

 

[Ridge Runner]

WebleyGreene455,

Can you clarify your question?

Are you asking about what members carry when hunting, hiking or just walking about their property?

Or are you asking what and how members carry their "weapon(s)" and/or ammo when out and about?

Are you asking in regards of being out and about for a few hours, a day, or longer?

When hunting I tend to carry more to the field, as I may initially plan on hunting just in the morning and end up being out for the day, coming in around or after dark.

When just out and about when hunting is not going on I plan my gear according to where I decide to go:

if I'm hiking in the mountains I plan my gear accordingly;

if I'm hiking or scouting a prospective area I might hunt (and maybe a lake or trout stream is in the area) I might add a few more items to what I would normally take with me on a normal hike;

Other things have to be considered as restrictions can apply as to where and location: city, county, state, national parks, national forrest or other government land(s).

Some city and state parks allow carrying concealed while other city and state parks prohibit carrying a weapon...to include fixed blade knives.

 

[Nkawu]

+1 for the slip over elasticated cartridge holder- very useful.
I also have a 10round open topped leather pouch from Westley Richards which goes on its own belt with my knife/leatherman. Small backpack to hold water bottles + sunscreen + a few loose biltong sticks.

 

[Nkawu]

Hiking with a backpack that had a waist strap interfered with my pistol holster so I got a small man-bag looking thing that I sowed a small holster into. Hangs very comfortably and easy to draw from with some practice. Ordinary folks just thought it had my phone or wallet inside

 

[BenKK]

Pockets.

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

Pretty basic.
A mix of traditional and modern. I use an alaska guide creations chest carrier for my binos, GPS and range finder. Badlands camel back for water.
I like a traditional fixed blade knife cross draw on my weak side in a leather case. Currently but not yet used my new knife from Von Gruff here on the forum. My cartridges are in a 5 round leather carrier on my strong side. Prefer 10 but I like an inexpensive one I found on Ebay in several different designs for less than 30 bucks. Been using for years.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Another vote for the butt stock slip on for hunting. One less thing to carry or wear and no chance of forgetting the ammo. Tried the bandolier, didn't like it, just another thing to carry. Aside that, anything that holds your scent, like the leather units, are not in my bag of tricks. YMMV.

 

[DmacD]

I like the 8 round leather ammo pouch from Dick Murray Custom Leather, the one with the flap and brass peg closer. It looks tough as nails, and I think it will outlive me. It rides on my belt, and can easily be shoved around my body when switching from standing to sitting.

 

[YancyW]

When hunting it really depends, if I am on a wilderness elk, I carry more than if I am sitting in a tree stand in Nebraska. Most of the time, I just utilize my pockets.

For my everyday carry, I always carry at least one spare magazine. It doesn't matter the capacity of the handgun I am carrying, I always have the ability to reload.

 

[Shootist43]

In Africa I use an elastic sleeve over the stock. It holds 10 rounds, it also adds a bit of weight if you are using a larger caliber rifle. But in all reality how many times have you needed more than one or two rounds to secure an animal. One in the pipe and two or three in the magazine is all I ever have when hunting white tails. If you need more than that you'd best be spending additional time at the range. If "culling" was the order of the day then extra ammo is certainly in order.

 

[BeeMaa]

I have a Dick Murray buttstock cartridge holder on it's way now for my rifle.
We also have a Galco Safari 5 that gives a few extra on the belt that my wife will be using.

 

[Wade J VanGinkel]

I have a Dick Murray buttstock cartridge holder on it's way now for my rifle.
We also have a Galco Safari 5 that gives a few extra on the belt that my wife will be using.

I just checked out the website. Post up some pictures when you get it. And how it fits. Would look good on my sako AV if the fit is right

 

[JimP]

I get real technical when I am hunting.

Most of the time I just use a ammo pouch that I got from Midway. It has a hoop fastener so that it doesn't make any noise when opening and holds 10 rounds.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/939598824?pid=716216

I have used the butstock carrier but I prefer the ammo on my hip.

 

[Ray B]

I've found the best use for a bandolier is the type designed to hold a large handgun. A cartridge slide can be added to the strap without significant bulk. but if hunting with a rifle then the bandolier is just a nuisance, particularly in cold weather where different layers of clothing are involved.

 

[Longwalker]

I find it very interesting how many like the buttstock cartridge carriers. I have tried several, but just don't prefer them to alternatives. I personally prefer a belt slide, 5-10 rounds, with flap to prevent my rifle stock from being scarred by the rims of the cartridges. Or just put a box of cartridges in my pack.
You mentioned this discussion need not be only about hunting. When spending time outdoors, I always have my binoculars in an elastic chest harness that keeps them close and available without swinging. I also don't feel dressed without a knife, which may be a proper fixed blade sheath knife or a Leatherman multi tool on my belt, or a Swiss army knife in my pocket. I will never be caught outdoors without a way of making a fire. A butane lighter at least or perhaps my old well worn brass match safe full of strike anywhere matches. Or both. And a compass. Usually add a belt pack to hold "possibles" and a bottle of water. Or a day pack if that is appropriate for the situation - to hold water, lunch, a jacket, or emergency gear.

 

[WebleyGreene455]

Hi everyone. Since I'm not getting any alerts about this thread in my email or here on AH, I didn't know anyone was responding! I'll check out what y'all have to say when I'm back at my computer.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

I have a galco safari 5 and it works well for 375 H&H

 

[CAustin]

for transport over I use this. In the field I use leather belt pouches!