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I picked up a couple of the Trader Keith canvas and leather culling belts for a trip I am hoping to make with my oldest daughter next year. They are both in the .375 size since we are planning to take a .458 Win Mag for me and a 9.x62 for her. As recommended by Trader Keith, I put rounds in the belts after they arrived to get them to stretch out and conform to the rounds they will be used with. However, they are still pretty tight and the 9.3 rounds in particular are difficult to remove, perhaps because there is less of each round standing above the canvas. I can make it easier to remove the rounds by leaving the belts partially empty or by leaving the rounds sticking up more, but wanted to see what the experience of other people here has been. Maybe more time will stretch them out, although I have given them several weeks. Maybe I need to put slightly over-sized rounds in them to get a little more stretch? I also noticed that there is no "keeper" or piece of leather to tuck the end of the belt into after buckling it. Has this been an issue for anyone? Any of these ever come loose? I looked at them in person during DSC but did not notice that detail until they were here. Thanks. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | ||
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You could try some talc powder but I don't know if it will work. | |||
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That reminds me of what they call "white graphite " which is a boron powdered lube , like graphite. You might also first insert a bit of brass shim stock then the cartridge ,to stretch the cotton pockets remove shims for use . | |||
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I have given up using anything but what UNCLE MIKE used to make as cartridge carriers on safari. These are the ones one slips on his belt, and are made for 30-06 rounds. I find that I can put 9 rounds of my 375/404 in. Trouble is they only last a couple of years or so. | |||
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Can you post a picture of the belt? ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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Saeed: I have used the Uncle Mike's belts on two trips but was going to try something more durable this time. I am not sure that it makes sense to "lubricate" the cartridge slots as that would be a temporary solution. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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Sir: I am on the thin side. I just tuck the tougue of the belt into the belt itelsf where the take up bracket makes a sling. I have a lot f tail left when I buckle up th belt. This works well to get it out of the way. Note the touge sets between leather and does not rub or rest against shirt or skin. I use a beretta belt, so this may note work with your belt. If you could take some over size wood doles and load them into the cartridge carriers for a couple of weeks this may loosen them. I would check periodically to make sure they are not getting too lose. | |||
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Try putting them in every other opening and see if the fit easier , i normally only carry 5-8 rounds in a belt for plains game , dangerous game you need to fill the belt +10 rounds , you could try wetting the belt and put dummy rounds to help stretch | |||
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Best a tight fit from the start.That way the cartridges will stay in there place.I would keep the belt full while in storage at all times and work the cartridges in and out from time to time.Wearing the belt full while hunting for a week or two helps a lot to loosen the loops. | |||
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Shootaway has the best looking cartridge belt I've ever seen. I'd like to have one made but it would cost more than the crappy, garbage rifles I shoot. George, you should post some pics of your belt. It's really nice. Cal _______________________________ Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska www.CalPappas.com www.CalPappas.blogspot.com 1994 Zimbabwe 1997 Zimbabwe 1998 Zimbabwe 1999 Zimbabwe 1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation 2000 Australia 2002 South Africa 2003 South Africa 2003 Zimbabwe 2005 South Africa 2005 Zimbabwe 2006 Tanzania 2006 Zimbabwe--vacation 2007 Zimbabwe--vacation 2008 Zimbabwe 2012 Australia 2013 South Africa 2013 Zimbabwe 2013 Australia 2016 Zimbabwe 2017 Zimbabwe 2018 South Africa 2018 Zimbabwe--vacation 2019 South Africa 2019 Botswana 2019 Zimbabwe vacation 2021 South Africa 2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later) ______________________________ | |||
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I have two from Texas Huntco. Are they still in business? I like them as they allow easy access and hold really well. | |||
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Thanks for the suggestions. As noted above, I have kept the belts full for several weeks and will continue to do so, removing and re-loading them at least weekly. Also, I have tried alternating open loops and it does help. I know other here have used this model and wondered what their experience was. Clearly I do not want them too loose, but the rounds must be quickly available when needed. I have almost a year to sort this out, so no rush on my end. Thanks again. Edit: To be clear, I expected a break-in period and was advised of that by the company. I just thought I could take advantage of the knowledge of others as to how to accomplish this most expediently. I also wondered whether people left the rounds sticking out or alternated them instead of seating them fully and loading it up completely. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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I will grab one and post it later today. Thanks. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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Drop Bill a note, I bet he has a solution. I had one of his backup belts (leather) and the loops were actually getting too loose . . . he know exactly how to shrink them down a bit. Mike | |||
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Pictures:    Not very good pics, should have dragged them out into the natural light. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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Thanks for the suggestion Mike. Charles ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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Mine is all leather and I simply cut the last inch off the bottom so I could push the cartridge up rather than pull on it. An easy solution would be to pack the bottom of the holder so the cartridge stands more proud? ROYAL KAFUE LTD Email - kafueroyal@gmail.com Tel/Whatsapp (00260) 975315144 Instagram - kafueroyal | |||
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nice looking, but seems like a lot of ammo to be lugging around........ | |||
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I been happy with the Murray Slides, especially if you have more than one caliber. Load up the slides. I have a Murray belt and change out the slides when a different gun gets pulled off the truck. | |||
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Yes, I have considered that. I can also just leave them out further. The point of a culling belt is to have plenty of ammo available. Since we won't be culling, we can half-load them if need be. Still waiting to hear from someone who has used them. Maybe the problem is that the 9.3s are just too short and require a work-around. Or I just need to give it more time. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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+1. I couldn't afford a DG cull hunt Vote Trump- Putin’s best friend… To quote a former AND CURRENT Trumpiteer - DUMP TRUMP | |||
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Really? I thought of getting one for my 4-bore. Cal _______________________________ Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska www.CalPappas.com www.CalPappas.blogspot.com 1994 Zimbabwe 1997 Zimbabwe 1998 Zimbabwe 1999 Zimbabwe 1999 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia--vacation 2000 Australia 2002 South Africa 2003 South Africa 2003 Zimbabwe 2005 South Africa 2005 Zimbabwe 2006 Tanzania 2006 Zimbabwe--vacation 2007 Zimbabwe--vacation 2008 Zimbabwe 2012 Australia 2013 South Africa 2013 Zimbabwe 2013 Australia 2016 Zimbabwe 2017 Zimbabwe 2018 South Africa 2018 Zimbabwe--vacation 2019 South Africa 2019 Botswana 2019 Zimbabwe vacation 2021 South Africa 2021 South Africa (2nd hunt a month later) ______________________________ | |||
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Just adding 2c worth I have two Murray sliders on my belt with military style hip belt to carry my .577 double and ammo. I have a separate Steve Collet made culling belt with spare ammo if needed. I stretched them to correct size by using a pair of scissors and then forced them open with the scissors (reverse to cutting). i then repeated fed the rounds in and out to get them smooth. I thought I would be better off with alternating holes but found that for the double it was better to load each. My PH in Namibia did not worry about shine of the rounds but in Zimbabwe with my Murray for Gibbs .505 he did not like the shine so I used a Texas soft type that zipped up but kept the top open for reloading. That worked fine but I did not have to get at the ammo as quickly. Cal, have you ever used the two backup round wrist holster strapped to your wrist for a double? I ve seen them in photos (Western) but never could find one to buy. Not sure they add more to speed | |||
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I've used them - .375, .416 and .470. It won't stay tight very long, and will eventually get too loose (cartridges fall out in the vehicle, even had one or two work themselves out while walking). Practice with it - even if it's snap caps - and get accustomed to pulling the rounds from the belt. I carried mine full. As for the excess belt, tuck it back into the buckle and hide it behind the belt. I put it on like a normal belt, tuck the end along the inside, then spin it around 180 degrees. For what its worth the culling belt from Galco is better, in my opinion. There's 10 per side with a space in the center (belly button). I keep a pouch in the center (flashlight, range finder, or other such items). By having two separate sections of 10 rounds, you have 4 edges to choose from when you start grabbing for bullets. You could even carry 2 different types - but depending on what you're after - better know with certainty which one you're grabbing in the heat of the moment. JEB Katy, TX Already I was beginning to fall into the African way of thinking: That if you properly respect what you are after, and shoot it cleanly and on the animal's terrain, if you imprison in your mind all the wonder of the day from sky to smell to breeze to flowers—then you have not merely killed an animal. You have lent immortality to a beast you have killed because you loved him and wanted him forever so that you could always recapture the day - Robert Ruark DSC Life Member NRA Life Member | |||
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Thank you sir. I think they will loosen up enough with practice although the 9.3 may have to be left out some due to the short length not giving my daughter much leverage. ------------------------------- Some Pictures from Namibia Some Pictures from Zimbabwe An Elephant Story | |||
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Wow!.... Planning on getting into a firefight? MopaneMike | |||
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I had a pistol belt made back in '73 for .30 carbine shells, 24 loops of leather. Some tore, others got loose. Elk hunting had an uncle follow me a day later and gave me half dozen I'd dropped on stand once. Left it loaded over winter and brass caked and ruined from the moisture it gathered. Last one I had made we used the stretchy strap boot makers use for the pull up straps on cowboy boots. They stay tight and are loose enough to let shells slip out easy enough. So far I've not lost any except in the back when riding in the truck seat they get pushed out sometimes. This belt was made for .45 Colt ammo. Last summer I had 12 loops put on a nylon strap affair with a shoulder pad to catch the recoil. Used the same type stretchy strap on these loops. Told the lady I wanted them tight enough to hold .243 shells, yet loose enough to accept the Ultra mag cases, gave her 6 of each to work with. Empty, it looks like she just laid it on the belt and sewed it about every 3/4". Works as planned, so far never worn it hunting, just at the range a couple times. I don't think this type strap will get weaker in time. It's cheap, so if it does, just cut the stitching and sew on a new one for a few bucks. Check it out sometime when in a shoe or boot shop. George "Gun Control is NOT about Guns' "It's about Control!!" Join the NRA today!" LM: NRA, DAV, George L. Dwight | |||
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. Charles, They sure look mighty fine and I hope you get them loosened up. Heck of a lot of ammo and weight to be carrying around all day. Me, I use a simple slide - 4 soft 4 solids and the rest of the ammo goes in the trackers rucksack. If it is not down and out with 10 rounds then there is a problem !! Also leaves room on the belt for a knife, a Leatherman and a pencil torch - all of which I have used in the veld.  Cheers . "Up the ladders and down the snakes!" | |||
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It is good to have many rounds.A 20 round belt minus four in the magazine that leaves 16.It shows that the hunter is prepared for a tough buff or should an event occur that will use up ammo.I think a hunter is a fool to go on a hunt with 8 rounds on his belt. | |||
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https://www.johnrigbyandco.com...uch-full-600x600.jpg Could you try something like this worn on a belt ? Or not enough capacity? http://www.jroberts-gunmakers....ges/shop-pouch10.png or this | |||
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I have a couple of these trader Keith belts for 375 and 470. The hoops were tight when I first received them, but after being loaded up and used, they loosened up. I don't really fill them completely when hunting. Regarding the tongue, I slide it inside the belt after buckling. A little awkward at first, but after taking it on and off a few times it becomes easy. By the way, that brown leather will turn burgundy with sweat staining. At least mine did. | |||
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I have never understood a hunter's need to carry more than a dozen rounds into the field. Most rifles hold four and with 1 or 2 ammo wallets either slide on to your regular belt and or 1 dropped into a pocket your done. Even for a game manager on a cull, how many times are you really going to fire more than a dozen rounds with out going back to the vehicle. Sure there are some very unique circumstances but the likelihood is those unique circumstances will also require other equipment that goes into a day pack so just throw in an extra box of ammo and have the tracker carrier it. I guess I am pretty low tech. 4 in the gun, 6 on a 10 ten round belt slide for easy grasping, 1 in each pants pocket. Can't remember the last time I needed 14 rounds on a hunt without access to the vehicle. Mike Legistine actu? Quid scripsi?[/] [i] Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.  What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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Mike, I don't want to detract from this interesting thread, but most good rifles only hold 2  Charles, A safari or two under your new belt(s) and they are bound to loosen up and be easier to work rounds in and out. Charlie . "Up the ladders and down the snakes!" | |||
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Charlie64, So now your down to 12...that's a big problem.  Mike Legistine actu? Quid scripsi?[/] [i] Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue. What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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I once shot a buffalo 12 times. I fired every round I had. It died without help from the PH. I probably need to work on being a better shot. | |||
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Cal send me the cost of shipping and I will send you a check to cover the shipping so you can package those junk rifles up and send them to me, and I'll take them to the dump so you will not ruin the soil in Willow by burying them there! ..............................................................  ....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1 DRSS Charter member "If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982 Hands of Old Elmer Keith  | |||
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 Pancho gets it. You just look bad ass | |||
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I once needed and didn't have: - rappelling gear on a hunt to descend a cliff face - a raft to cross an unexpected flooded wash - a third spare tire all on different hunts. I think tomahawker has it right...it's the badass look and the CDI factor. Mike Legistine actu? Quid scripsi?[/] [i] Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue. What I have learned on AR, since 2001: 1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken. 2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps. 3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges. 4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down. 5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine. 6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle. 7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions. 8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA. 9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not. 10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact. 11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores. 12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence. 13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances. | |||
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I've been using Murrary leather for about ten years. He makes good stuff and has excellent customer service. It's always so quiet when the goldfish die.(Bror Blixen) DRSS Merkel 470 NE | |||
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Charlie, having been a civil war reenactor for years, you'll find a decent Belt Keeper at the bottom of this link. They cost $3.00 plus shipping and are made of brass. I have them on my accouterment and sword belts. Civil War Sutler Gray Ghost Hunting Safaris http://grayghostsafaris.com Phone: 615-860-4333 Email: hunts@grayghostsafaris.com NRA Benefactor DSC Professional Member SCI Member RMEF Life Member NWTF Guardian Life Sponsor NAHC Life Member Rowland Ward - SCI Scorer Took the wife the Eastern Cape for her first hunt: http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6881000262 Hunting in the Stormberg, Winterberg and Hankey Mountains of the Eastern Cape 2018 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/4801073142 Hunting the Eastern Cape, RSA May 22nd - June 15th 2007 http://forums.accuratereloadin...=810104007#810104007 16 Days in Zimbabwe: Leopard, plains game, fowl and more: http://forums.accuratereloadin...=212108409#212108409 Natal: Rhino, Croc, Nyala, Bushbuck and more http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6341092311 Recent hunt in the Eastern Cape, August 2010: Pics added http://forums.accuratereloadin...261039941#9261039941 10 days in the Stormberg Mountains http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/7781081322 Back in the Stormberg Mountains with friends: May-June 2017 http://forums.accuratereloadin...6321043/m/6001078232 "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading" - Thomas Jefferson Every morning the Zebra wakes up knowing it must outrun the fastest Lion if it wants to stay alive. Every morning the Lion wakes up knowing it must outrun the slowest Zebra or it will starve. It makes no difference if you are a Zebra or a Lion; when the Sun comes up in Africa, you must wake up running...... "If you're being chased by a Lion, you don't have to be faster than the Lion, you just have to be faster than the person next to you." | |||
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