Who uses a moon clip loader/unloader?
I didn't realize there were so many out there with very different price points.
I know--you don't need a moon clip reloader.
Dillon is my go to tool.

I like this one for my S&W TRR 8: https://tkcustom.com/products/...ng-tools/mct-sw627x8

I've have a Demooner made by California Competition Works. Seem to work fine and they are around $20. I also have what Brownells calls a "moon clip stripper". I don't remember who made it, but it also works fine.

I generally just use my fingers unless I'm planning on using/expending a large number of moon clips.

Yep--here's Dillon at 1/2 price of TK AND has the unloader built in.

https://www.dillonprecision.co...rame_8_24_25535.html

Looks the same..... except has the unloader.

I thick M1Garandy is referring to the Ranch Products Moon clip extractor..
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/F...ue/productinfo/69EX/

Had to do a little research on that one.

This is the classic buy once problem. It is pricy but no one I have ever met would ever go back.

BMT Mooner. Drop them in, spin it, perfecto. If you buy the cheaper ones like TK sells. They work. The first time you use the BMT version you will cringe because it is so much easier to use. And faster.

Yes it’s pricy. It’s also worth it.

 
When I went back to a revolver (after 10 years) I got the GP-100 10mm. The Ruger moonclips are pitiful, so I ordered a set from TK Custom. They are the same thickness, but made from much harder steel and are much stiffer. While I was there, I also got their moon clip tool and moon clip unloading tool.
 
I forget which tools I used back when I shot a S&W 625. The clips are easy to load by hand if you don't want to spend the money. Just spread the rounds out on a towel, take the clip in two hands, and snap each slot down on the extractor groove. It goes pretty quickly. And you can make an unloading tool out of two pieces of pipe, one straight, and a T fitting for a handle. You have to remove metal from the end of the straight piece so it leaves just a stub. You end up with something that is just like the commercially sold ones, just not as fancy.

I have several.

The Dillon is the best choice.

When I was shooting LOTS of moon clipped ammo in USPSA, I used separate California Competition Works De-mooner and Re-mooner tools. Fast and easy.
I don't know if the all in one tool they make was out yet or not. I know the BMT wasn't out yet, I remember when they came out.

There's a Lot more options today.

To add what Henry said. The only way I see moonclips fail is when the get bent. If you load a bunch, like for a match, eventually you will bend one. And I disagree about the lapoading by hand part. If you get different sized clips or you buy different brass you will find some very hard to load and some are easy. Unless you plan on sticking to one brand of brass and determine the right clip size you will struggle occasionally.

Go watch the BMT mooner videos. It is as fast and easy as they depict. If you only shoot a box at a time I guess vice grips and a rag would do. If you prefer shooting to loading or plan on matches get a loader.

Loading, or worse unloading them by hand is miserable. 45's are probably the easiest to do and by far the least expensive clips to buy. Some of the newer custom ones are very costly. Don't risk ruining them.


My range bag insert for matches from years ago. You don't want to do that with your fingers. And forget a big match!

quote:

Originally posted by SIGfourme:
I thick M1Garandy is referring to the Ranch Products Moon clip extractor..
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/F...ue/productinfo/69EX/

Had to do a little research on that one.

Actually I was referring to this: https://www.brownells.com/shoo...ripper-prod6727.aspx

Though now that you mention it, I do have a couple of that style around here somewhere too!

BMTMooner by GaryBF, on Flickr

The BMT tool, without a doubt, is the slickest loader/unloader you will ever find. Buy once / cry once.

The only drawback to the BMT is that it is caliber/gun specific. If you have multiple moon clip guns, in various calibers, tools like the TK tool can be used for multiple calibers by simply changing the arbor.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

I have the TK Custom stuff and it works good. It is expensive, at least for my modest use.

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I'm also a fan of BMT having found them by a Apex Tactical blog post. This link is to the BMT Product Page:
www.BMTequipped.com/purchase.html



YouTube Link: www.YouTube.com/watch?v=mS8VjUbOEdM

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I have the others as well and the BMT works best for me.

I bought the BMT for my 625, I am overjoyed with it.

The BMT really is the best on the market even for casual shooting. For competition or classes, it would be mandatory.

I own a couple of others, but stopped using them after having tried the BMT.

I still use the Brownell's Demooner when I just need to pull one round as opposed to unloading a whole clip

Had BMT Mooner for my 625.
It was pretty sweet...