Drop tube size

[abunaitoo]

First time I'm trying a drop tube.
The one i made has a 3/8" brass tube.
Using it to load .45 cal.
Would it better to use a smaller tube?????

[rfd]

no, it's just a drop tube, 3/8" is fine. i made mine from a large aluminium 29" arrow shaft. it's all good, it's all about the drop.

http://i.imgur.com/0rnoPIt.jpg

[BrentD]

If you use a smaller diameter then you can use it for your .38-55s and .38-72, etc.

Oh, you don't have a .38? well, maybe it's time to get one.

BTW, if you take a rubber stopper and fit it over the end of your tube so that the bottom of the tube sticks out maybe 0.1", then it will sit on the case mouth, and prevent powder from bouncing out of the case as it falls in and it will help hold the case in place, etc. Just a suggestion.

My tube is spring loaded and motorized... :)

[rfd]

i cut out a drop tube "washer" from a mouse pad ...

http://i.imgur.com/Poiw80t.jpg

[country gent]

My drop tube is 3/8' id aluminum tubing 36" long ( Purchased at Menards) 1/2" of. I turned a wood sleeve so the funnel fitrs snug on the top and a walnut end for the drop that's a reverse funnel or counter sink. this was reamed to 3/8" bore after being glued to the tube and thru the tube so it is a good match with no seam to catch. It sits on top of the case mouth and centers the case under it. This works nicely for me and I have a adjustable stop on the tube so it can only sit 1.5" height or more, saves lifting sliding it up and down a lot.
I have seen arrow shafts, all forms of tubing, and one that was a glass tube. With a 3/8" or smaller Id the tube could be flared with a tool to form the lower "funnel" right onto it. Theres a lot of ways to make a drop tube. All will work as long as theres no tight or binding areas for powder to bridge up.
My frame is walnut c type frame with 1/2" hole drilled through arm for tube to slide in. It is doweled and glued joints. the tube is 3/8" id X 1/2" of X36" long polished lightly inside and out. The base is walnut 3/4"x4"X8" I finished the wood with several coats of tru oil. I may add a second mount up 6-8 " to clamp it to the bench top with the base below top of bench making it easier to reach see in the top.

[Gunlaker]

If you use a smaller diameter then you can use it for your .38-55s and .38-72, etc.

Oh, you don't have a .38? well, maybe it's time to get one.

BTW, if you take a rubber stopper and fit it over the end of your tube so that the bottom of the tube sticks out maybe 0.1", then it will sit on the case mouth, and prevent powder from bouncing out of the case as it falls in and it will help hold the case in place, etc. Just a suggestion.

My tube is spring loaded and motorized... :)

The stopper is a nice idea Brent. Thank you. Finding a nice solution to that problem has been on my list for a few years.

Chris.

[BrentD]

Chris,
Another option, which I'm using at the moment, is to find a strongly bottlenecked rifle case with a neck that fits reasonably well in your tube. Then cut the case about 1/4" below the shoulder and use it like an inverted funnel over the case. This works for almost any cartridge. I think mine is something like at 300 H&H or a .300 Weatherby AI or similar.

[Lead pot]

Here are my drop tubes. I use a 3/8 OD type L hard copper tube that has a 9/32 ID and the base is a 3/8 OD X 5/8 ID sweat reducer. That fits over the case mouth for the .40 to .50's I shoot. I don't have a .38 but it would seal the case so powder won't spill. I use a 6". 18" and 36". The loading block I cut from a 3X12" oak slab that holds 143 cases. The block sits on the floor when I use the long tube.
I don't like putting the DT inside the case, it unsettles the powder when you pull it out if you get it to deep in the case. With the reducer over the case mouth no powder is spilled or the case does not get nocked over fumbling around changing the case.
I very seldom use the tube anymore. The short 6" settles the powder just as good as the 18"and 36" by just tapping the powder pan on the funnel rim. Maybe even better.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b302/940Leadpot/th_IMG_2331_zpsu9juzuhf.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/940Leadpot/media/IMG_2331_zpsu9juzuhf.jpg.html)http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b302/940Leadpot/th_IMG_2333_zps0kowrb1v.jpg (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/940Leadpot/media/IMG_2333_zps0kowrb1v.jpg.html)

[Gunlaker]

You guys have all kinds of good ideas :-). I think I'll actually get off of my butt and get this done this week. I have to start loading a pile of cases for Phoenix in March.

Chris.