Drop tube and Trapdoor reloading.

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • blackhawknj
    Senior Member
    • Aug 2011
    • 3754

    #1

    Drop tube and Trapdoor reloading.

    I note several board members have mentioned using a 24" drop when reloading 45-70. How critical is that ?
  • Dick Hosmer
    Very Senior Member - OFC
    • Aug 2009
    • 5993

    #2
    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.

    Comment

    • p246
      Senior Member
      • Mar 2013
      • 2216

      #3
      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.

      Comment

      • Major Tom
        Very Senior Member - OFC
        • Aug 2009
        • 6181

        #4
        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.

        Comment

        • Dollar Bill
          Senior Member
          • Nov 2009
          • 156

          #5
          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.

          Comment

          • p246
            Senior Member
            • Mar 2013
            • 2216

            #6
            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.

            Comment

            • Dollar Bill
              Senior Member
              • Nov 2009
              • 156

              #7
              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.

              Comment

              • Major Tom
                Very Senior Member - OFC
                • Aug 2009
                • 6181

                #8
                Usually with upper BP loads a compression die is necessary. A drop tube is not necessary.

                Comment

                • Sportsdad60
                  Member
                  • Jan 2015
                  • 87

                  #9
                  Originally posted by 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.
                  Ditto here. I use both.

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

                  This is "45-70 405 gr BP reloading" by Sports Dad on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

                  Comment

                  Working...