[Eric F]

How does it work? And is there a magical height? Why can you put more powder in a case with one versus just dumping it streigh in the case?

[StrawHat]

I use a 32" tube, 3/8 OD, to load my 45-70 and will use the same to load my 50-70.

I try to take 10 seconds to pour the powder in, a nice slow pour.

The way I see it the powder gets up a little speed going down the tube and packs itself in just a bit tighter than dumping it in enmass.

Some fellows have had success dumping and compressing but that success has eluded me.

I follow with a wad, lube cookie, wad, and a bullet.

Have you tried the tube yet?

[Eric F]

No I just got my 50-90 sharps yesterday and still waiting on brass nad dies. If I drop tube do I need to compress the load still? My reload steps include a compression plug before seating a bullet. I was going to make a drop tube from coper tube but was uncertian of length for it.

[Jim Watson]

My drop tube is 31" long, based on the way I use it with a cartridge block on a low stool, standing over it with tube in hand and a row of cups with weighed powder charges in reach. A little one way or the other won't matter.

Yes, it pays to both drop tube and compression plug. Or does in MY rifle, a little .38-55.

Rdnck, the Goex field rep, says the starting load should be a case full of powder when dumped loose. A drop tube will settle it a good deal, then the compression plug will take it down the rest of the way for the bullet to be seated with no airspace but no great pressure on the soft bullet, either.

[sundance44s]

Drop tubes are a must for the large cal . rifle cases , when I load my 45/70 if I don`t use a drop tube ..I tap the charge down with my finger nail on the side of the case , I`ve even used my tumbler to ..you can hold the case against the side of a tumbler to vibrate the powder down .I don`t go to this much trouble when loading pistol rounds like the 45`s only on my large cal rifle loadings .

[quigleysharps4570]

My drop tube is 34" long and also use a compression die.