Drop tube and Trapdoor reloading.

[blackhawknj]

I note several board members have mentioned using a 24" drop when reloading 45-70. How critical is that ?

[Dick Hosmer]

I believe it is just another - and probably more "traditional" - way to increase charge density. Similar results are achieved by using a compression plug before seating the bullet. Bottom line, no matter how you go about doing it, you want to remove as much air as possible from any BP load.

[p246]

Dick nailed it. I started with a drop tube then went to a compression die. Personally I liked the compression die better but I think it's more of a personal choice and some people are more traditionalist at heart. For me the biggest factor was getting my bullet size right since my gun has a nice bore but big. .461 if memory serves.

[Major Tom]

I use both the drop tube and compression die. That's just me tho. I made my own 24" drop tube out of 3/8" OD copper tube with a small plastic funnel on top all held in a walnut stand.

[Dollar Bill]

I use a drop tube and compression die also but they are long range target loads for BPCR shooting.

The thought is that the drop tube results in a more uniform powder column while the compression die has more effect on the top of the column. For trapdoors, I wouldn't bother with a drop tube. It just won't make much difference.

[p246]

So does anyone else feel like they get better groups marginally with the compression die over drop tube or is it just me. All else stayed the same. I only have one trapdoor so it's not a good test group by any stretch, I'm just curious if anyone else saw those results.

[Dollar Bill]

It makes a difference for me, in both the 45-70 and 38-55. Drop tube alone just wasn't getting it done. Upping the loads and compressing made a big difference.

[Major Tom]

Usually with upper BP loads a compression die is necessary. A drop tube is not necessary.

[Sportsdad60]

I use both the drop tube and compression die. That's just me tho. I made my own 24" drop tube out of 3/8" OD copper tube with a small plastic funnel on top all held in a walnut stand.

Ditto here. I use both.

Short video. Hey, I was bored! And a friend asked for my reloading flow!

https://vimeo.com/181567323