Reloader 15.5

[Old Bob]

Burt, a drop tube does drop denser charges. For whatever reason, when the kernels fall down the tube, they land and stack more compactly.  I have a 5" tube I paid under 10 bucks for.  I just taped it to a universal funnel and then it has a universal end to meet the case mouth. I'd take a picture, but I don't currently have access to it. I'll dare say that using it also gave me a slight velocity increase and slightly better sd's (Shooters World Precision in 6.5 G with 123s and Varget in ARC). Not nearly large enough of a statistical sample to say its true, but it makes sense with a more consistent packing and hence burning of powder through the case.

Someone does sell a funnel / tube combo with this use in mind. I think its Frankford, but my Google Fu is weak tonight.

My reloading knowledge is expanding. I’m new to it and on top of it have only worked with the LEVR and CFE223 disc shaped powders until now. Thanks for explaining the theory for extruded powders. I’m open to trying one out. We’ll see what cheap option I can come up with at the hardware store. Thinking 1/4” acrylic pipe with a funnel and duct tape just to give it a whirl and see. Does it need to be any certain height to work properly?

Since I was dealing with black powder, I needed to stay away from anything that might generate static electricity, so my drop tubes are made from brass tubing I got at a hobby shop. Acrylic piping should be OK with smokeless powder. Powder measure reservoirs are acrylic ... I think. The tube I use for black powder is 15". Another tube I use for large kernel smokeless powder is 12".  I tried a 20" tube but found it didn't compress the powder column any more than the 15" tube. The brass tubes are 3/8" dia.