Drop tubes? What's the best approach?

[jcampbellsmith]

I recently developed a load that is slightly compressed and performs very well. What's the best approach to dropping powder in from a height in order to get the best fill and to minimise the compression (and crunch) on seating the bullet?

Thanks

JCS

 

[Eddie Harren]

Long & Slow.

 

[BoydAllen]

From my experience with "crowded" loads for my 6PPC I would say that you need a long narrow drop tube, that is transparent, and that the rate at which you drop the powder is just as, if not more important than the length of the tube. When I am working at the limit, I carefully approach the point where the powder will start to drop, and when I see granules going down the tube, I reverse the handle slightly, stopping the flow, and then repeat, perhaps 4-5 times, until the drop is finished. There was a bulletin item on this some time in the past where I used a Harrell"s drop tube with a RCBS funnel taped to the top. The same thing can be done with a measure and long drop tube.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/12/how-case-filling-method-can-alter-powder-column-height/

 

[jcampbellsmith]

...There was a bulletin item on this some time in the past where I used a Harrell"s drop tube with a RCBS funnel taped to the top. The same thing can be done with a measure and long drop tube.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/12/how-case-filling-method-can-alter-powder-column-height/

Thanks, I will read your article again and see what I can rig up.

Best regards

JCS

 

[expiper]

OP....the main thing is use a tube with a 3/16" bore,,,,that slows down the drop rate,,,Roger

 

[treeman]

if a compressed load shoots good why would you want to drop tube the powder. if you use a drop tube it may not shoot as good. just wondering

 

[savagedasher]

I load my 6mm dasher with 36.6 gr of H4350 and 105 Hybrids Quick Load say it 109.6 full. Without a 12'' drop tube I can't seat the bullet with lite neck tension. My answer was Lowe's.I buy a 30'' pex 3/8 OD faucet connector. I cut it to 12'' one end I use a center punch and stretch it till it will hold my case. the other end I taper it to where no powder will stack on the end. Larry

 

[dickn52]

Brass tubing. Most black powder shooters already have one. Shilohrifle of Montana sells some very nice ones, but I'm sure there are many others. http://www.shilohrifle.com/shop/search.php?mode=search&page=1
on page 14 just a suggestion.

 

[BoydAllen]

In order to be able to regulate a slow, or intermittent drop, directly from a measure, the tube needs to be clear. If you are using a tube on a funnel, it does not.

 

[artbosco]

I recently developed a load that is slightly compressed and performs very well. What's the best approach to dropping powder in from a height in order to get the best fill and to minimise the compression (and crunch) on seating the bullet? Thanks JCS

The best approach? Purchase one of these, the longer the better: http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/Powder_Funnel.php

 

[dickn52]

I agree with jcampbell... My reference to brass was over kill, and very necessary when handling Black Powder. Static in plastic has caused some serious issues with black powder. The 21st Century models look fine. Go long though.

 

[jcampbellsmith]

I recently developed a load that is slightly compressed and performs very well. What's the best approach to dropping powder in from a height in order to get the best fill and to minimise the compression (and crunch) on seating the bullet? Thanks JCS

The best approach? Purchase one of these, the longer the better: http://www.21stcenturyshooting.com/Powder_Funnel.php

Thanks, that looks just the thing. Regards JCS

 

[J-rod]

I took a piece of brass to wally world and bought a cheap arrow that fit. Works great

 

[jcampbellsmith]

A drop tube arrived the other day from http://www.shootingshed.co.uk/oscom/

and I plan to try it out over the holidays.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12296998/Reloading/Drop%20tube%20looking%20good.jpg

Regards

JCS