Moon Clips -

ImDrRich

ImDrRich

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Recently got my first set with a new 442-1. I'm having problems loading in the 5th round, while the first 4 clip in smoothly.

Is there a trick to getting the 5th in? The moon clips bend easily so I don't want to bend them.

Thanks.
 
Full moon clips

Buy a loading device!
czGCUs4.jpg

Here are my loading/unloading devices! The loader has mandrels for different size moon clips.
6MDipwe.jpg

This is what happens when you decide you like full moon clips, and that is about half of all my full moon clips. 10mm, 45ACP, 40S&W, 9mm
jcelect
 
ImDrRich said:
Recently got my first set with a new 442-1. I'm having problems loading in the 5th round, while the first 4 clip in smoothly.

Is there a trick to getting the 5th in? The moon clips bend easily so I don't want to bend them.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
Yes it can be easily done without a loading tool

Your first four can allow the cartridge to be rolled into their clip positions relatively easily, the last one won't roll in with your fingers because there's less flex to the clip with all positions filled

So the last one goes in with just the opposite type of work. Place the cartridge on the table and roll the clip onto the cartridge

This will be a bit awkward the first few times but once you get the hang of it it is very very easy

In just about five decades of using moon clip enabled revolvers I have never once used a tool to load my clips. Some folks will say that in the olden days we only had auto loading cartridges and they were much easier. However I do own the 27th 8 shot model 627 manufactured back in 1997 so I do have more than a quarter century of experience with Moon clipped revolver cartridges

8-shots.jpg
 
I've carried a 442 with moon clips for years.

It's worth noting that .38spl seems more susceptible to variation of of rim groove variation than .45ACP. There are some recommendations on moon clips thickness by ammo brand on Revolver Supply Co:

38/357 Moon Clip Thickness - The Revolver Supply Company, LLC

I keep my 442 loaded with a moon clip for positive extraction, but carry a speed strip for reload. I just haven't found a good way to carry a moon clip reload.
 
I have used a variety of tools to fill moonclips (45 ACP). Some I bought, some I built, some were gifts. You can make a simple lever tool that pushes the cartridges into the clips. Or, my Pop grabbed a large pair of water pump pliers and was squeezing them in with ease.

I smoothed of the serrations and grooved the jaws to accept the 45 ACP cartridge.

Kevin
 
I shoot moonclipped revolvers in 9mm, 10mm, .357 mag, .44 mag and .45 acp. 5, 6 , 7, and 8 shot. Been shooting them for years and I have never used a loading tool. I snap them in by hand and have never bent a clip!
The 5 shot are the hardest to get the last round in but it can be done, with practice it gets easier.
 
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