Bullet Billet Leather

[Slickshot]

  I've been thinking about completing a "Duke" sort of rough out money belt I started years ago, and have not finished it as I do not know for sure, what kind of leather to make the bullet billets out of.  I know it can't be too hard or too thin.  I figure it has to be in about the 3 oz range but sort of soft, but not chrome tanned.

Can you guys help me out with this.  And wear do you buy this leather?

Slickshot

[outrider]

Bullet loops usually are 4/5 OZ and are veggie tanned.  the only time I go to a heavier weight leather is when I make double shotgun loops...then I use a 6 oz

[Slowhand Bob]

I agree with Outrider on the 4/5oz and will add that I always sew bullet loops on this style belt.  What type, weight leather will you use for the belt?  The only Duke style belt I ever made was a fake money belt that was rough out veg tan and glued solid with fold.   I actually sandwich a thin 2/3oz veg tan swatch behind the bullet loops when using upholstery leathers for money belts but I do not think that is very common? (A discussion for another time.)

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

         I agree, 4/5 ounce, works best for me.

                   tEN wOLVES 

[ChuckBurrows]

while 4/5 oz may be more commonly used by CAS shooters today in the past 3/4 oz was much more common and the length also tended to be 1" rather than the shoter ones seen today. The 3/4 oz in 1" wide tends to grip the ctg case better than the 4/5 oz and when you're out and about that can be important - losing shells is not a good thing when you are far from the store......

[Cliff Fendley]

I agree with Chuck. Many today are made with 4 -5 oz but 3-4 is more period correct and works probably a little better IMO.

I've used both weights and probably prefer the lighter weight since most of my rigs are based more in the 19th century time period.

One would tend to think heavy is stronger but I cant honestly say that the heavy ones are any stronger either, especially when sewn.

First thicker leather is it seems more apt to crack in a sharp bend and that's how they will tear out. Second the thinner leather has a little more stretch, not only does it hold better it does not pull as hard at the stitch seam causing the loop to tear out.

My preference is a 1 inch wide loop 3-4 oz.