proper loading of dump/drop box

[xsexcess]

I'm trying to figure out the correct way to load a Tex Shoemaker dump box. With 38spl (I carry a 2" 64) I have loaded 8 rounds in either all stacked parallel, or two vertical rows of 4. The two extra rounds seem like more of a problem than a solution.

Or a Bianchi speed strip might slip inside (I tossed mine as they got too stiff...need another set).

Was there a conventional loading of dump boxes? If vertically stacked, was the loading primer to primer?

Was there any effort/technique to try and get cartridges to fall in your hand in correct /same orientation?

This is a top flap/snap with tilt down boxes (It's a double)

I'm sure some of you veteran LE guys can set me straight.

 

[GerSan69]

If you can fit 8 rounds, I think you either have a pouch made for using speed strips or one for a larger caliber. Anyway, IIRC you'd set the bullets in there horizontally, all pointing in the same direction (usually to your right if you were using your left hand to load...opposite for your right), so they'd fall into your hand ready for dropping into the chambers.

 

[grcoffman104]

In the 70's I loaded as many the pouch woud take. In case one fumbled and dropped one. If you got six in could toss or pocket extra depending on the situation you were in.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

If a speed strip will fit, that's the way to. Loose rounds dropped into the hand require much more dexterity (if your in a hurry) than I have, especially under stress.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Your question is unclear, but I will give some different answers based upon scenario.

Dump boxes in general are designed to hold 6 cartridges of the correct caliber in a HORIZONTAL position inside the dump box. Thus, if it is a double dump box, it holds 12. A single will hold 6.

If the dump box has a hinge, you position the box so the snaps are at the top of your belt, so that when you unsnap, the dump box swings down on its hinge to release the cartridges.

If the dump box does not have a hinge, you position the box so that the snaps are at the bottom of your belt, to allow release of the cartridges by gravity through the open bottom of the box.

You can carry the box either to the right, or to the left of the belt buckle. Assuming you are right handed, the bullets (projectiles) should, from YOUR perspective, point to the LEFT, so that when they are released into your hand, they are pointed in the direction they need to go with respect to loading the cylinder of your revolver. To clarify, if you are right handed, and the dump box is between your revolver and your belt buckle, point the bullets toward the buckle. If the dump box is on the opposite side of your belt buckle, point the bullets the SAME direction, which would be AWAY from your belt buckle. In either case, when the ammo is released into your hand, the cartridges are pointing toward the charge holes.

Remember, when using the device, that the correct method is to shift the revolver to the LEFT hand (assuming you are right handed) to open the cylinder and eject empties. The revolver stays in your left hand while your strong hand (right hand, if you are right handed) manipulates the cartridges. This procedure would be reversed for a lefty.

That said, the dump box method is slow, and several loose cartridges in your hand at a moment of stress means you are likely to drop cartridges. Personally, if you do not want to use speedloaders, then I believe the preferable way to carry ammo is either on a speed strip inside the dump box (Tex Shoemaker makes the Model 207 for just this purpose). Ordinary dump boxes are not long enough horizontally to allow the speed strip AND the cartridges, so you have to have one made especially to include the added length of the speed strip. If you do not use speedloaders, or strips, then I think the preferred method is a 2x2x2 pouch or old-time loops, which allow you to grab only one or two rounds at a time, which are less likely to be dropped when you are in the middle of a gun fight.

 

[66snub]

I have an old police model double dump pouch and I carry in in the same location on my belt that a spare magazine would go. I keep it loaded with a speed strip in each compartment with the tab of the speed strip peeking out from under the flap for easy grabbing. I just unsnap and tug the speed strip out of the pouch and load.

My technique runs with me holding my gun in my right hand for loading and first ejecting the spent brass by smacking the ejector rod with my left hand and then deploying the speed strip with my left and getting the gun loaded.

I picked the dump pouch up from a LGS that has a used leather section for $8. It was in good shape and I was curious to see if I could work it into my carry rig. After some consideration and practice, I found that it works really well for me because it carries really flat (compared to a pouch for a speed loader or two) and deploys more quickly than if I was fishing around in my pocket for a speed strip.

 

[grcoffman104]

I carried a Safariland dump pouch in the 70s.
Dept. Mandated smith .41 or 2 1/2 inch mdl 19.
And a local made slide on the gunbelt 2 or 4 round cartredge holder. This one was to allow a partal reload if activitys slowed and cover was taken after expending less than 6 rounds. At a bar parking lot gunfight i fired two rounds while scrambling for cover one round killed a Ford Pinto other bent bad guys deer rifle. Behind cover I opened cylinder and pushed up extracter star enough to pick out two emptys and refill while female partner covered me. Bad guy tossed the then horseshoe
Shaped dear rifle and pulled knife and charged. Time i rose up to engage partner put him out of our misery.
Chief was pissed over dead Pinto.