My home defense shotgun, which has recently been put through some practice sessions, has a side-saddle shell carrier. While I love this type of accessory, and I think every home shotgun needs one, there are different theories on which way the shells should point when in the side-saddle.

To me, it makes the most sense to have the primer end down, so that when the gun is inverted for reloading, the shells can be extracted out the bottom end nearest the loading port.

I have seen others load theirs the other way, with the primer end up.

I can see mixing some up and some down for distiguishing ammo type by feel, so you don't accidentally load buckshot when the situation calls for the penetration of a slug, but haven't heard a good reason to load them all primer up.

What are your thoughts on this?