45 Moon clip load/unloaders???

[tommy F]

Planning to shoot more ACPs in moom clips. What loaders & unloaders do you use and like? Pics also help. Thanks

 

[Dennis The B]

I use this one: Deluxe Moon Clip Tool

Does everything.

 

[What the]

I use my fingers...

 

[DCWilson]

If you use the RIMZ clips (flexible nylon or delrin or something) you don't need a tool -- they are fast to load and fast to strip using only your fingers. The downside is that they are expensive.

If you go with the much less expensive metal clips, then the Deluxe tool mentioned above is far and away the best.

 

[44 special Dave]

If you search the forum, there was quite a detailed thread about homemade tools for just such a task. Pretty involved as i recall.

Dave

 

[MifflinKid]

This is the best I've found. Rather expensive but is very slick.

BMT Equipped, Inc.

 

[HEADKNOCKER]

A piece of 1/2" copper tubing cut with a step can be used to load & unload them 45 moon clips cheap..
Here's a couple of threads about the subject..
I made one for 9mm out of 3/8" tubing , see 3rd link,some use an old golf club handle for 45, If you cap the one end all your spend brass will be neatly inside..
I've also seen PVC used..

http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/88964-reloading-45-acp-revolver.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/110579-best-moon-clip-tool.html
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/83556-there-trick-loading-unloading-moon-clips.html

 

[Bello]

Yes I have a home made moon/demooning tool I found scraps at my job

 

[Imaposer]

I second the BMT loader recommended by Dennis above. Yeah, it is a little expensive, but if you're like me, one trip to the range with it and you'll forget all about the extra $. Slick, fast, and painless loading and unloading. You can literally demoon a clip in about 2 seconds. And one neat thing is the little magnets that retain the empty clip. All you have to do after demooning is flip it over and reinsert in the loading side, drop your loose rounds in and give a quick twist. Did I say it was slick? Well made too.

Here's a quick video showing it in use:

BMT Mooning Tool.m4v - YouTube

I also have the Rimz. I've used them and they do seem to work fine. But after using my BMT I saw no reason to use the Rimz again.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

Yet another vote for the BMT tool. I have one for my 610 and will be ordering one for my 627PC in the near future.

 

[Nick B]

I use this one: Deluxe Moon Clip Tool

Does everything.

Thanks for the link .

 

[Old Corp]

If you use the RIMZ clips (flexible nylon or delrin or something) you don't need a tool -- they are fast to load and fast to strip using only your fingers. The downside is that they are expensive.

If you go with the much less expensive metal clips, then the Deluxe tool mentioned above is far and away the best.

Like DCWilson, I finally got tired of dealing with the steel half moons, especially after I got some that were evidently brittle and broke during loading or unloading.
The RIMZ are great and trouble-free.

 

[M2MikeGolf]

If you don't feel like making your own, here's a de-mooner: MOON CLIP STRIPPER | Brownells and a loader: S&W REVOLVER MOONSETTER | Brownells both from Brownell's. There are several tools out on the market, some already mentioned, that can perform both functions. I like the pliers with interchangeble mandrels, so one can switch back and forth for multiple caliber/cartridges like .38/.357, 9x19 and .45 ACP. One note, if you are using half moon clips, like some vintage 1917 owners like, these tools don't work as well, and will easily bend clips. I have not tried the Rimz, but after seeing some of these recommendations probably will.

 

[5Wire]

Plus one on the moonclip tool, well made, fast & easy loading or unloading moonclips. I've had an older version for ages.

 

[roundgunner]

I use the 1/2 inch tubing but the tool above look like it would be great if money is no problem.

 

[tommy F]

Thanks for sharing and pics

 

[MWark]

I use this one: Deluxe Moon Clip Tool

Does everything.

I have this. I'm very happy. The same tool works for my 45 and my 40.

 

[5Wire]

I use the 1/2 inch tubing but the tool above look like it would be great if money is no problem.

About as much as a couple boxes of range ammo, how much of a problem is that? AND it easily snaps cartridges into clips as well as out them. New ones you can get different collets for different calibers or configurations. Clever and simple tool.

 

[Frank V]

They are actually pretty easy to make, & if I can make one ANYONE can.
I use a short piece of galvanised pipe that will fit over a .45ACP case & cut it in half about 1" up. Then I round off any rough spots with a file & bingo I'm done. I bought a 2" galvanised nipple & made mine from that. Sorry not picture litterate. It took me about a half hour.
Frank

 

[ENH]

Here is what I use. They are the only one's I have used , but have thousands of rounds loaded with them.