As others have pointed out, it's a reaction due to the chemicals used in the tanning process. Vegetable tanning reduces most of the problem but not all.
Chrome tanning (named for the chromium sulfate used in the process) is by far the most popular method to tan leather on a large industrial scale due to lower cost and higher production rate.
The solution is to avoid storing cartridges in leather loops for any extended period of time.
While we are on the subject of leather gear and firearm stuff- a leather holster or scabbard is an excellent item to carry a firearm but perhaps the worst possible device to store a firearm in.
While the chemicals used to tan leather aren't as damaging to iron and steel as they are to brass, the leather itself will hold moisture during storage. If you have ever seen a gun stored in a leather holster for years in a humid (or even occasionally humid) environment, you know the danger. I've seen some beautiful guns destroyed by long term storage in leather. I've even seen stainless steel get pitting after storage in leather.
Leather holsters and scabbards are not long term storage devices. Always remove firearms, magazines, ammunition, knives, etc. from leather gear when you store those items.
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