Do You Use a Drop Tube..DYI Project

[AP2020]

So my buddy was telling me about drop tubes....

 

[marchboom]

No need to use one unless there is very limited case capacity and you are trying to eliminate a compressed load and crunched powder kernels.

 

[fatelvis]

How many more grains on average will a drop tube allow you to load without compressing, in say a 223 with Varget? Thanks-

 

[Dusty Stevens]

How many more grains on average will a drop tube allow you to load without compressing, in say a 223 with Varget? Thanks-

According to how slow you pour

 

[fatelvis]

According to how slow you pour

Slower pour equals more powder?

 

[PatMiles]

Slower pour equals more powder?

Slower pour allows the kernals to settle around each other better, trust me, I've experimented using a 12" drop tube.

 

[tmwinds]

How many more grains on average will a drop tube allow you to load without compressing, in say a 223 with Varget? Thanks-

About 26.0 grains and not have a compressed load with Berger 70 gr. VLD's. Must pour very slowly with a 6 inch tube. DON'T TRY THIS LOAD WITHOUT WORKING UP TO IT!

 

[fatelvis]

Does a longer tube equate to more compression of the powder?

 

[nmkid]

I remember many years ago reading about compressing powder. The author of the article would hold the case/funnel in one hand and move that hand in a small circular motion as he poured the powder into the funnel. He felt that swirling the powder into the case would help it compact better (?). never tried it as I don't shot compressed loads.

 

[PatMiles]

Does a longer tube equate to more compression of the powder?

No compression, the only thing that could cause any compression is the weight of the powder on itself which we know is in grains.

 

[Mike F H]

No compression, the only weight that could cause any compression is the weight of the powder on itself which we know is in grains.

For interest sake I use a 1 metre drop tube,roughly 39”,to load 2209 (H4350) in 308 Winchester cases with 208 grain projectiles.

 

[1shot]

I use a drop tube for all the cartridges I shoot. By slowly pouring the powder on the side of the funnel, it creates a swirl motion as the kernels go down the tube. (Imagine a toilet flushing) I'm a big proponent of 100% case fill so a drop tube works well for me. Over the winter months, I intend to experiment with longer tubes to see if makes any difference or not.
I hope this helps.

Lloyd

 

[Dgd6mm]

I use a drop tube for all the cartridges I shoot. By slowly pouring the powder on the side of the funnel, it creates a swirl motion as the kernels go down the tube. (Imagine a toilet flushing) I'm a big proponent of 100% case fill so a drop tube works well for me. Over the winter months, I intend to experiment with longer tubes to see if makes any difference or not.
I hope this helps.

Lloyd

^^^^ this exactly

 

[TheOtherZilla]

No tube here. If need be I use one of those vibrating tool engravers. Works great

 

[scubohuntr]

Years ago, Guinness used to make an ultrasonic vibrating coaster that they would set a glass on for a bit after it was filled to produce a better head. Sounds like cheating to me, but what do I know. Seems to me something like that would settle powder in a case very well. I know some black powder cartridge guys use ridiculous drop tubes to try to get enough powder in their cases.

 

[Milo 2.0]

No compression, the only thing that could cause any compression is the weight of the powder on itself which we know is in grains.

I think we are getting hung up on terminology guffy style here, of coarse there is no forceful compression. The longer tube if not too large in diameter is going to pack more powder in a case.

 

[Mulligan]

I think we are getting hung up on terminology guffy style here, of coarse there is no forceful compression. The longer tube if not too large in diameter is going to pack more powder in a case.

I agree, it helps to settle the powder in the case and reduce any bridging of the powder. A slow pour and a 6” forester funnel makes a heck of a difference in my ability to maximize case capacity.
CW

 

[stifffingers]

I agree, it helps to settle the powder in the case and reduce any bridging of the powder. A slow pour and a 6” forester funnel makes a heck of a difference in my ability to maximize case capacity.
CW

I've heard you can use a battery powered tooth brush without the head to settle powder in the cases.

 

[jimmymac]

I've heard you can use a battery powered tooth brush without the head to settle powder in the cases.

I’ve done that in the past with an old ultrasonic toothbrush with the head attached. Turn it in, sets it on the loading block and it works good. The neighbor set his loading block on top of his clothes dryer and turns it in for a few minutes.

now, I just use a Forester drop tube and it eliminates additional steps.