Wyatt Earp SASS#1628L Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 When loading my 45-70 and 45-60 cartridges, I use a 24" drop tube. When I occasionally load BP in my 45 colt cartridges (rifle and pistol) I rigged an 18' drop tube through my RCBS Little Dandy powder measure (mounted on a Lee four hole turret press). When I get to the powder step, I pour powder from a Hornady BP measure into a cut down shotshell and then drop tube the powder into the case, followed by bullet seating and then Lee Factory Crimp. I loaded my first 50 rounds of 38-40 for my Uberti 66 carbine today, utilizing the same method. I'm able to get 30 grains of GOEX 2f into the case and allow for about 1/16' compression of the powder with the 180gr Big Lube bullet. This procedure is not really that slow, I just have to dispense the powder into the shotshell and then drop it into the case. I don't use the same slow trickle method as I do for the large rifle cartridges, just dump into the funnel and let the drop tube help settle the powder. I got to thinking that maybe I could just mount the Hornady measure on the press and drop the powder directly into the case. I tested this and the 30 grains of powder filled the case to about 1/4" from the mouth. This would allow for too much compression. I could lower the amount of powder to about 25 grains to get the correct amount of compression and save on some powder. So for SASS shooting I betting this method would be more than satisfactory for accuracy, but what about cleaner burning? I've always read that drop tubing leads to a cleaner burn and better accuracy, especially at longer ranges. What say you all? Drop tube, yay or nay? Wyatt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Don't see the need in handgun BP loads. BP rifle loads-Oh heck ya. It doesn't give a cleaner burn. I may give a more consistent burn. I, drop tube for my .45-70 & .45-90 loads. Fill the handgun case till you compress 1/8"-3/16" when seating the bullet. Any more compression and you'll need to use a compression die so you don't mangle the bullet. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jefro, SASS#69420 Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Drop tube for SASS....nay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackey Cole Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 Never used a drop tube other than the Dillon die and powder funnel yet or a Lee powder thru die. But I've not got into long range bp yet just frontiersmen and plainsman shooting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Earp SASS#1628L Posted March 18, 2017 Author Share Posted March 18, 2017 OLG, these are for a rifle (updated my post), yet I think I know what you mean. Pistol/pistol caliber rifle = no need for drop tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 That IS what I mean. Also, if you go to 3F. You'll get 30 gns real easy, if not more. OLG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griff Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 I use a drop tube for my BP rifle loads, but just run my 45Colt BP rounds thru the Dillon. It's consistent "enough" for this purpose... I haven't notice any issues with accuracy out to about 100 yards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 Posted March 18, 2017 Share Posted March 18, 2017 I think I would go nuts if I had to waste the time to drop tube 1000 rounds of BP CAS ammo. (Some might argue that ship has sailed. ) 100% completely unnessary for CAS pistol/rifle ammo. Long range is a different matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Earp SASS#1628L Posted March 18, 2017 Author Share Posted March 18, 2017 So I reset my powder measure and mounted onto the Lee Turret press. Wow, what a difference in loading efficiency. I loaded 50 rounds in about 20 minutes. The "nays" have it, no more drop tube for me when loading pistol caliber cartridges. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted March 19, 2017 Share Posted March 19, 2017 Wyatt: Revolver calibers I just drop the powder in and crunch it with the base of the bullet. At the distances we shoot for CAS, we are shooting at plates not shooting bullseye for X hits. For BPCR, read an article in the Black Powder Cartridge News comparing accuracy results between drop tubing and vibrating. The results were so minor - I just vibrate my BP charges PS: My drop tube and stand are somewhere in the gun room but I haven't seen it in about 10 years! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted March 20, 2017 Share Posted March 20, 2017 I drop-tube all my Pistol charges from my "Lyman 55 Black Powder " measure straight into the case using Goex 3F ... My charge weight is somewhat greater than yours , and equals the velocities obtained with pre. 1900 Factory loads ... The charged case is removed from the loading block and the lubed ( SPG ) bullet seated and crimped in one step ... I don't waste time on grease cookies ( cookies are for eating ) or fillers, as all that is needed is enough powder to fill the case for 1/16 to 3/32s. compression ... I find that drop-tubed loads burn cleaner and produce more velocity ... Jabez Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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