Reloading Moon Clips

[skrazo]

Been reading some posts about the "Pro" series revolvers. They look enticing. How difficult is it to place cartridges in the clips? Is there some special tool required? Does one need a special pouch to carry the clips comfortably/effectively?

 

[Holden6v8]

loaders

Brownells has some tools, as does TKCustom.com

 

[murphydog]

You can use the Pro series revolvers with single rounds. The metal clips are usually easy to load but need some extra leverage to unload, and there are several tools on the market to do this. There are also moon clip belt holders but if you mean for (concealed) carry use that is a different question.

 

[skrazo]

There are also moon clip belt holders but if you mean for (concealed) carry use that is a different question.

Good point! I should have clarified that. I was referring to concealed carry for the clips.

 

[murphydog]

The loaded clips are pretty big and may rattle; don't know if anyone carries them concealed but someone here probably does and can let you know how.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Can I add a questions to the thread. I saw one producer was charging $64 for 10 moon clips. Is that the going price for a good quality product?

 

[b_san]

TK charges an awful lot for his clips, his are the only quality J frame 5 rounders though so I bite the bullet (pardon the pun) for my 442 Pro. For my other calibers (7/8 round .357 and 6 round .45), I use ranch products or the ones from Mr Clint Walker of Mooncliptool.

 

[625 Shooter]

Can I add a questions to the thread. I saw one producer was charging $64 for 10 moon clips. Is that the going price for a good quality product?

Depends on what you want.

There are less expensive clips available. And there are even clips available that don't require tools to load/remove the brass.

Personally, I use Hearthco moon clips in my M627 (8-shot). These clips hold the brass more rigidly for quicker/more positive loading into the cylinder. More expensive? Yes. But worth it! (And does require a tool to load/remove.)

Note that if you want the brass held rigidly, the moon clips are manufactured at specific thicknesses to accommodate specific brands of brass. I use Starline brass in my Hearthco moon clips.

If you don't mind brass being a bit floppy in the moon clips, the less expensive clips will probably be just fine. They are thinner and will likely accommodate about any brand of brass.

You will most likely WANT/need a tool to load/remove the brass.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Moon clips are easy and cheaper than magazines. I have a 625 and load about 50 clips for every range session. I believe the price gets down to less than a buck apiece when you order 20 or more.

I have to wear gloves when I load the metal clips because they are tight and require some pressure. Also you will need a tool to extract them after they are fired. All of this is done at home so no down time at the range.

I've heard several people complain about how hard it is to manage moon clips but I think they are great for the range. Speed strip works better for a carry gun.

This place sells most of the gear.
The Revolver Supply Company. Supplies for the revolver enthusiast

 

[Lou_NC]

Been reading some posts about the "Pro" series revolvers. They look enticing. How difficult is it to place cartridges in the clips? Is there some special tool required? Does one need a special pouch to carry the clips comfortably/effectively?

I am an absolute NUT for moonclip-fed revolvers. I have "several" of these S&W models:
22-4 (.45 ACP)
625 (.45 ACP)
610 (10mm/.40 S&W )

Now, I'm a frugal guy by nature, but I absolutely, positively recommend this tool for loading AND unloading the moonclips. It was well worth the cost:

Other tools may work, but I have an earlier version of the above tool (without the "arch" in the grip), and I have arbors for both .40 S&W and .45 ACP moonclips. It's a GREAT setup.

Regarding carry of loaded moonclips, I use "speedloader pouches" to carry mine. I can fit TWO loaded moonclips per "pouch" if I use the "large" nylon/velcro pouches.

I don't attempt to "conceal" my N-frames, but I suppose if you could conceal an N-frame revolver, you could find a way to conceal the speedloader pouches as well!

Lou

 

[Fackler Rebel]

I own a 325PD the first revolver that I have ever owned that needed moon clips. I use the RIMZ 25 made in the USA by Beckham Product Design in Newport Beach, CA. This are made of some kind of plastic component, head space properly, and are easy to load and unload by hand, but hold the rounds securely.

Reb

 

[WhitleyStu]

I have a BMT loader tool for both my PC 625 and 640 Pro. They make loading moon clips so easy it's almost fun... BMT Equipped, Inc.

 

[warf73]

Deluxe Moon Clip Tool
Clint, is fast to answer questions if you have any. I sent my MO out for the moon clip tool and moon clips. I look forward to receiving my order and using them both in conjunction with my 627 pro.
As for CC I don't plan on carrying extra clips when/if I carry it.

Warf

 

[jimintheburg]

Home made moonclip loader
I have a wood shop so I had the scrap wood and a drill press.
Think I got this from you tube. Clamp 2 pieces of 3/4"(or can be thicker) wood together ( good hard wood like maple, ash or oak ) and using a ½" drill bit ( flat bottom bit ), drill a hole about 1½ " deep.
At the bottom of the hole, cut a kerf by setting your saw blade on a table saw( use a blade with carbide teeth as it will be thicker ) not as deep as the hole. Put the rim of the case in the saw-blade kerf and then push down so that the shell mates w/ the clip. It is usually fairly easy to seat the shell. I seat .45 auto as well as 10 mm. I drilled 12 holes so I can load two clips .
You can make a demooning tool form a piece of thin wall conduit.

 

[H Richard]

I use the mooncliptool for both 45 and 9mm. The 9mm (S&W 940) clips are from Ranch Products from Dillon. No problems. The "tool" is a godsend for loading and unloading the clips.

 

[parsonbw]

I own a 325PD the first revolver that I have ever owned that needed moon clips. I use the RIMZ 25 made in the USA by Beckham Product Design in Newport Beach, CA. This are made of some kind of plastic component, head space properly, and are easy to load and unload by hand, but hold the rounds securely.

Reb

I use those type brand as well. Never had a problem. My model 640-1 will also work without the clips. Just my experience.