A standard ammo tin contained 250 rounds in 50 round belts. Each 50 round belt could be joined together to make longer belts. The first link of every belt was designed to fit a joining tab at the end of the belt.
Slot the joining tab of the first belt into the first link of the second belt. Feed a round into the link until the rim catches on the link.
Two 50 round belts joined to make one 100 round belt.
Loading the "assault drum". Place a 50 round belt on the ground with the open ends of the links facing up. Roll the belt from the end to the starter tab.
insert the rolled belt into the drum, making sure that the first rounds are coming out of the side opening
With the feed cover open and the bolt in the forward position, attach the drum to the side of the MG-34. Make sure that the first link directly above the bolt is empty.
Close the feed cover, making sure that the track in the underside is aligned with the guides on the bolt. Pull the tab to make sure it is tightly positioned and pull the "cocking" handle back. The Bolt is now locked back and ready to fire, move the cocking handle forward and lock it in place. For semi-automatic fire pull the trigger on the top half. For fully-automatic fire, pull the bottom half of the trigger.