Loosening up a leather shell slide?

[ArmedBear]

After shooting "flurries" and a few times dove and pigeon shooting with an O/U 20 Gauge, I bought a 6-shell slide from Triple K. It seems that being able to grab a pair of shells quickly, oriented in the right direction, will help with fast reloads. Works for the CAS guys, anyway.

However, the leather loops hold the shells in really tight.

Anyone know how to break in the shell slide without having to use it in the field a lot first, or making the loops too loose?

 

[LHB1]

Bear,
I have that same carrier. Apply Neatsfoot oil LIBERALLY to the inside and outside of loops using felt/cotton bob, then force shells into the loops. Try to bend the carrier into an arc while the shells are in loops. Repeat frequently. My leather carrier loosened up nicely and was very convenient then. Murphy's Law says a pair of doves will fly over every time I walk away from my shell bag to pick up a downed bird. The six pack leather carrier was great for quick reloads in such cases. I could grab two shells and insert into O/U quickly and more than once if necessary before I got back to my shell bag. Be sure to wipe off excess oil and let the carrier dry before you go hunting to keep it from staining your clothes.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[dfariswheel]

Neatsfoot oil really isn't that good for this type of leather goods, but if you do use it, make SURE you get REAL neatsfoot oil.
Most "neatsfoot oil" is really fish oil, with just enough real neatsfoot oil in it to call it neatsfoot COMPOUND.

A better way to loosen the carrier is to wrap some shells in a layer of wax paper and force the shells in.
Let stand overnight, then check.
If it's still too tight, add one more layer of wax paper and repeat.
This is how too-tight holsters are "broken in" without over doing it and making it too loose.

The best leather "treatment" for your carrier is a coat of shoe wax.

 

[ArmedBear]

Thanks to both.

Wax paper is a great idea, and I have that at home so I'll try that first.