Rifle magazine loaded, with spares in an ammo pouch on my left hip. I used to carry a single round in each front pants pocket too, but 7mm Remington Magnum rounds loaded with a Barnes TTSX cured me of that (at least with that round). Getting into a crouching or kneeling position could sometimes cause an uncomfortable jab in rather delicate places...
I don't think I ever carry more than a full box of 20 rounds, but rarely that many. I'd say 12-14 rounds is typical. On Monday I carried 9 rounds (but not for elk), because that's what I had left of my hunting ammo. It was over in one shot, so still have 8 left.
