How to tighten cartridge section on a leather cartridge belt?

[Tomo-1]

As the title says......I have had my cartridge belt for ages and it is still in good shape apart from the cartridges falling out if its not upright.

Any tricks to tighten it? I was thinking of wetting it, but thought I may ruin it. Thanks.

[felly100]

Buy a 10 gauge!

Soaking it is probably the best thing to do.

[deny essex]

Soaking will make it tighter through shrinkage but I think you need to add a little soluable oil to the water or at least a leather wax/oil before it fully dry's out or risk the possibility of over shrinking and brittle leather , long time since I played with leather

[J.R.]

I have done this a few times with an old leather cartridge belt.

 

I keep empty shotgun shells.

 

I soaked the belt for a few hours in water, remove it and let it drain.

 

I then place the empty shells in it and allow it to dry indoors for a few days in a warm room.

 

It gets tight around the shells as it dry but cannot shrink too much with empty shells in place

[lakeside1000]

I have done this a few times with an old leather cartridge belt.

 

I keep empty shotgun shells.

 

I soaked the belt for a few hours in water, remove it and let it drain.

 

I then place the empty shells in it and allow it to dry indoors for a few days in a warm room.

 

It gets tight around the shells as it dry but cannot shrink too much with empty shells in place

+1 very good advice, I also use a leather spray for shoes which keeps it supple,