Loading tubes

[ottawa]

I've seen guys using this tube that goes down the barrel whats the addvantage ? too keep the powder from sticking to the sides ? makes for a more accurate load? just cores
Thanks
Ben

[Roger Fisher]

Many bench shooters use this arrangement they consider a few grains of powder sticking to the bore part way down a no no although those grains get shoved onto the rest of the powder when they seat the patched ball.  The bench shooters often use a humidity tester and adjust the powder charge accordingly up or down.

Those boys pay strict attention to do every thing the same each time and they can shoot also!

[Daryl]

The smokeless BR boys also use humidity testers and barometers for powder charge adjustment- some feel this is going too far - runs in the same vein as using a chrging tube in a ML - all in the interests of making the 1 bullet diameter hole group for 5 shots.

[northmn]

While I do not know if it would also make a difference, when you load a BPC like a 45-70 you use a tube to help align the powder.  If one justs dumps powder in the case it takes up more room than from a tube.  I would think a barrel would do the same, but they may do so for more consistant alignment.

DP

[Daryl]

Either 'tube', barrel or drop tube is a drop tube - but with powder granuals impinging on the bore sides, the 'fall' might be less precise - might not matter either as it's still a long drop.
As with any accuracy game, most competitors leave nothing to chance.

[T*O*F]

Long range rifles have patent breechs and they wipe between shots.  Some shooters do not like shoving the fouling down into the breech while wiping, because they will eventually clog.  These shooters drop their powder thru a drop tube and then push down a wad.  Loading is then completed after wiping.  Some wipe and then fire a couple of caps to dry it out and then load.  Both methods are used.  Drop tubes also facilitate uniform compaction/settling of the powder instead of crunching it down with the bullet and ramrod.