3 + 1 (rounds) in the rifle, 1 in each front pants pocket so that they don't clank together, 6-8, wrapped so they don't clank, in an outside pack pocket. ....for elk.....
I should have maybe qualified that this answer was for use on elk. I have 6 in the 44 mag and 6 in a speedloader as well. For other purposes. They could also be used for signaling. But in griz country, because we can, we carry 2-way radios for communication. That way if someone is late, they can tell someone "still in Sam's Meadow, may be a half hour after dark before I am out." If you need someone to find you describing where you are (or lat/longs), in addition to 3 distress shots is better. Emergency communication is a factor to consider in some places even more than others.
Jag
