Here is the exemption from the magazine cartridge regulations:
"does not include any cartridge magazine that......is of the “belt” type consisting of a fabric or metal belt, is not a reproduction and was originally designed or manufactured for the purpose of feeding cartridges into a automatic firearm of a type that was in existence before 1945."
So first of all, it makes it clear that the law considers belts a form of magazine. It then exempts belts that were made for a gun in existence before 1945. It doesn't say that the belt was made before 1945....it could be 1980, but it can't be a repro. So, since a 50 cal was in existance before 1945, and the NATO links were made for that gun, 50 cal is OK.
But there was no 7.62mm version of the M1919 in 1945, so any belt made for that gun will not be exempt. Now for a 8mm or a 30-06 version, you are OK.
Lastly, you don't have to use those exempt original belts in the pre 45 gun to be exempt. If you were to own a more modern gun and could utilize those exempted earlier belts, you are good to go.
All that said, I have not heard of anybody being charged under these rules for belts. Then again there are few guns in Canada these days that will use them and can be shot by private owners.
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