Woven cartridge belt loops

[Antipaladin]

What do y'all use to punch the loop holes? I've been using the Weaver oblong punches. I generally use the
1 1/8" oblong punch for a 1 1/4" cartridge loop, but it's really too wide to assure a nice snug fit for a
4 oz strip semi-woven. The 5/8" punch produces a thinner hole, but that's twice as much work and introduces
irregularities as you have to make two separate holes for each loop. (one on top of the other)...this seems to
work well for in one loop and out the next.

Also, what width holes are people using for full woven vs semi-woven loops? The Weaver 1 1/8" punch IS
appropriate for a 4oz full woven loop (in and out the same hole).

[Slowhand Bob]

I do not know if the Rampart tool line is still available o not but they had a series of low cost, as opposed to cheap, punches that I really like and bragged on for bullet loop weaving.  The punch looked like the low end Craft brand version but was many times better quality.  They were available through Hide Crafter when I got the ones I have but I do not know if these fokes are still in buisiness or not as they stopped sending catalogs a couple or several years back???  I use 3/4" strips of the 4/5oz leather for bullet loops and their 3/4"punch is my go-to for that exact application.  A good snug fit without puckering. 

[Antipaladin]

Just wanted to give a big "thank you" to Slow Hand Bob for his reply and to Chuck Burrows for taking the time for phone call to answer my question.

[Slowhand Bob]

I have not been doing much leather over the past few years so I actually went out and punched a few holes and weaved several loops.  I forgot to mention one thing, Tandys neat little flat nylon boning tool.  Smooth the edges on it a bit so it will be less likely to mark your projects but that flat tapered end works perfectly for prying and otherwise working those 3/4" and larger slots to get the tighter fitting bullet loop lacing done.  Do not work with damp leather on this one, it shouldn't be necessary anyway, as you want the leather to spring back fairly quickly.