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Filling a case with powder using a long copper tube

G

GunnyUSMC

Sergeant of the Hide
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 24, 2022
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#1
In talking with some experienced ELR guys, one of the comments / recommendations was to use a long copper tube to fill the cases with powder. The idea hear was that by using the long copper tube, the kernel settle better in the case allowing a more compact load.

This is obviously for those who fill their cases to the max, which is the case with anyone pushing 200+ gr bullets over a mile.

I am just looking for feedback and confirmation that this is really a thing. I am new to ELR and I do find myself pushing the limits with powder to get the desired velocities.
 
#4
I built a stand out of some nice oak to hold my 30" drop tube. Mine is used for black powder only. With a nice slow and consistent pour, I put 80 grains of 1.5F in a fireformed Starline 45/70 case. If I were to try that with a 6" drop tube/funnel, about 5 grains would stay in the funnel and dump all over the loading tray as soon as I picked up the funnel.

A long drop tube lets a good bit more powder pack in a case. As overcharging a BPCR case isn't a concern and in my specific circumstance, is necessary for velocity and accuracy.

I'm not sure this carries over to loading smokeless and nasty jacketed bullets (uncivilized).
 
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#5
1723464222605.jpeg
 
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#17
wow! glad i asked...

now gotta build one for my ELR guns.

I guess it would not be beneficial for my other smaller cartridges where I do not fill the case up.
 
#18
hlee said:
Just when you thought reloading couldn’t get more tedious…
Click to expand...
Oh no, we can make it much more tedious.

In my defense, my Drop Tube Apparatus (DTA) was made for black powder only. Since the rifles are beauties I figured the DTA might as well be eye catching too. Civilized even. I don't shoot my BPCR's enough anymore.

Smokeless is dropped through a 6" part plastic tube, I am embarrassed to say. No one sees me do it so....
 
#19
I use the smaller ones for smokeless. My friend does alot of paper patched 45-120 and needs the long setup. I dont use them all the time , like 6.5cr but i do use them for my 223 bolt gun loads to keep it out of the way for seating. One thing thats annoying with some plastic heavier setups if the tray is one of those wobbly universal ones it isnt likely to stay on by itself and can tip. The blue one pictured above especially for 223 is a nice one i use one of those also with good fitting trays.
 
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