bandolero ammo belt

[corbanzo]

Ive made many different holsters and such in my leather working career (which is unprofessional) but never tried my hand at a bandoleer over the shoulder ammo belt, I was wondering what you guys though of as the best way to make shell loops, either with a single piece attached making many loops from one piece, or actually cutting and folding each loop individually?  I have the pacience, and need it to make good quality work, so the time factor doesnt bother me, I just want to know which has come out with the best, most rugged, and best fit for your bandoleer ammo belts? 

[Rickk]

I started a .45-70 belt ALA "Quigly Down Under" last winter for myself... very slow going... no where near finished.

The belt loops are one continous piece, hand sewn between each loop.

No idea whow you were going to make individual loops... sounds harder but maybe you have a trick I hadn't thought of?

[corbanzo]

I dont have the trick, which is why i asked, but I have seen it done.  Where each loop is indivudually sewn onto the belt.  looks like a whole lot of time consuming work, but the results werent bad.

[hillbill]

make a test piece that holds say 6 shells of your caliber.get your measurements on your back leather and the strip you are useing to hold the shells. lay it out on your back piece and the  lighter gauge strip you are useing to make the loops with a ruler and a pencil. use a tool that punches the sewing holes 3 or 4 stiches at a time and use a heavy waxed thread. your first shell belt will be kinda crude but as yu gain skill they will improve.