drop tube use

[mherth]

Using a 45-70 with 70 grains (weighed) of powder, for example. If you use the drop tube, the powder will settle somewhat more compactly in the case. Contrast that with just using a funnel on the case mouth to drop in powder. Then using a compression plug to ensure the powder column is the same in both cases, the compression will be a little less in the first instance, but does it really make a difference on the target? At 200 yards I can't discern a difference with 10 rounds of each. Is consistent powder column height more important than amount of compression?

And I've also been comparing weighed versus measured loads and haven't done enough yet to determine if the difference is significant on the target. I've started using an MVA powder measure which I prefer over my Lyman 55.

I don't enjoy reloading and am trying to simplify the process without losing load consistency. I'm limited to 200 yards so maybe the differences show up at longer distances?

[Don McDowell]

My thoughts on it, are that if you drop tube and still have to compress to get the bullet to seat, then there's no point in adding the drop tube process. I just slow pour the powder thru the funnel, set the wad in the case mouth and off to the compression die we go...

[mherth]

My thoughts on it, are that if you drop tube and still have to compress to get the bullet to seat, then there's no point in adding the drop tube process. I just slow pour the powder thru the funnel, set the wad in the case mouth and off to the compression die we go...

That's the process I favor as well, Don.

[Old Jim]

Several years ago the popular BP gun writers of the day spent much time relating the How-tos of black-powder cartridge reloading, as much interest was being shown. When case charging was the subject on hand, even a few spoke of the mystery of the use of the drop-tube. But as time went on, the drop-tube found it's way into BPC reloading. Some even said they could tell by the sound of the cartridge being fired as to whether it was drop-tubed or funneled.

So, not wanting to hi-jack a good subject matter post, lets see how the experts see this one.

Jim

[desert deuce]

Without going into painful detail, the important factor is consistency.

For long range I trickle weighed charges through a 36 inch drop tube mechanically with consistency.

For silhouette distances I dump into a 15" drop tube. Usually a Lyman 55 measure.

[Dan Cash]

I have given over the use of a drop tube. Like MHerth, I do not enjoy reloading and am always looking for ways to streamline the process yet maintain consistancy. I have found, through fairly extensive testing, that I can slowly drop a charge from a Lyman 55 measure and have the same powder column height as slowly dropping the same charge through a 26 inch drop tube.

The results on target are equal considering my ability to see the sights. My rifle has produced some pretty decent groups at 800 and beyond. I would like to see the results from someone like Ken Heier or Dave Guillo shooting my loads in my rifle.

[Kurt]

I have three drop tubs. One 36" 18" and 4" I use the 4" mostly. The 36" I use with the loading block on the floor and just dropping the powder from the Lyman 55 into the case for range fun.
I mostly use the 4" for my match loads with weight loads. I slowly drop the powder in the funnel and tap the side with the powder pan to settle it in the case. This in fact makes a lower powder column in the case then the 18" or 36" tube does. I don't see any difference in group size @ 200 yds using all three.

[Lumpy Grits]

I reload out of necessity-Plus my OCD helps here.
My SWAG on the drop tube use before compression, the powder granules are more consistently 'stacked' before compression.
A few years back, I did a test in my .45-90 with 30 rounds loaded the same except 15 were drop tubed, and 15 were slow poured via funnel before compression.
The drop tubed load was 'tighter'(smaller)and far more round than the funnel loads were. This was shot at 300 yds...
Yes-I'll keep using the drop tube.
YMMV,
Gary

[desert deuce]

No OCD here, just advanced TRF & STCF

[Old Jim]

I have a 24" drop-tube on the loading bench. Secured on top of the tube is a 17 caliber funnel. Powder is taken from the powder-measure and dumped in the funnel, and it slowly meters its self down the tube into a case. The same time , every time, down the same tube. With an accurate measurement of the powder, I find it is stacked in the clean case within 0.030" every time. My bullets weigh within 1.0 gr. each and when carefully assembled, my groups are the best I've ever shot, at ranges out to 600 yards and beyond.

That being said, I ain't changin' nothin' !
To each his own!

Jim