One round in off hand held bullet towards thumb. Been my experience that a round sticking out between fingers gets snagged and ripped from your hand going through brush. I use the off hand to hold the gun,and the strong to load. Open the offhand while holding the gun enough to take the round and load.

5 rounds in belt loop carrier worn in front of my body towards or next to the belt buckle. Accessable with strong or weak hand.

I like to wear a hunting vest that has big waist line pockets. Each pocket will have one lose round in it. Two will clink.

I also will have one loose round in every open trouser pocket. Ever tried to dig a round out of a front pocket from sitting or prone?

Carrying that many rounds of Westley Richards No.2 Musket or 577/450 Martini I also make sure I stay away from deep water.

If you use one of those wrist or stock carriers. Practice shooting with them from the opposite side of the rifle. The stock carriers hurt. The wrist carriers require practice, but then it all requires practice.