45-70 question

[DeaconKC]

Okay guys, I am new to loading BP so bear with me. I have been watching Youtube videos on loading BP and am a bit uncertain about drop tubes. I will be reloading for an original Trapdoor Springfield and picked both a Lee Loader and then found some regular dies for it. Now the Loader mentions nothing about compressing the load, but I am assuming that is because it is geared towards loading smokeless. How necessary is using a drop tube to properly load for this? I am planning on a slightly reduced load of 60 grains of 1 F or 2F and a 405 grain bullet. It will be in a carbine.

[Drydock]

You can write dissertations on these things.  However, 24" tube with a funnel on one end helps settle the powder, makes compression easier and more even, and helps the charge burn cleaner. It helps the grains interlock and helps prevent grain fracture.

  You also need a compression die, you do not want to compress the powder with the bullet more than just a little bit. (it distorts the bullet) Carbine loads (55-60 grains) you can pour in the powder, seat the bullet, and get acceptable accuracy for plinking.  For more than that,  you need to get serious about some of this stuff.

http://catshootingsticks.com/product/drop-tubes/

Get this book:  https://www.americanbookwarehouse.com/4196032/?msclkid=6c135d7048a91fcfdaeb3c4110227779

https://www.buffaloarms.com/reloading-supplies-accessories/powder-compression-plugs.html

[Drydock]

Also, go hang out at the Shiloh rifle forum: https://www.shilohrifle.com/forums/

[wildman1]

Vibration works as well as a drop tube or maybe better. I always vibrate my BP precision rounds. After vibration if you turn the case upside down only about half of the powder will fall out.
Use compression after the case is vibrated. This will ensure even compression to the bottom of the case.
wM1

[Ranch 13]

 If you're intending to load 60 grs, just slow pouring the powder thru your powder funnel should leave ample room to seat a 400 or heavier bullet.
What you might run into is some heavy fouling at that low of a charge.
I use the Caldwell powder funnel with 2, 4 inch extensions, and a compression die to load rifle ammunition with.

[hellgate]

I have an original TD carbine and shoot the following in it:
Lyman 385gr RNFB bullet lubed with a BP lube over  55gr FFg, two thin beeswax wads and seated without a crimp using a standard LR primer (CCI). OAL is to the first driving band.
Another load is the 150 gr "collar button" bullet and 50 grs or BP substitute like Black MZ or APP under a 1/2" fiber filler wad. The hourglass shaped bullet is lubed with a BP lube. I use a standard CCI LR primer and seat the bullet flush with the first driving band.
The LEE 405 gr hollow base bullet works OK too over 55gr FFg BP or equivalent volume of BP substitute.
I don't bother with drop tubes since I am not trying for a full load nor am I shooting long range with it.

[wildman1]

If you are usin it for CAS Plainsman events try 30 to 40 gs of 2 or 3f and a .457 RB. Its good for accuracy out to at least 100 yds and gets there quick. No rainbow trajectory.
wM1

[DeaconKC]

If you are usin it for CAS Plainsman events try 30 to 40 gs of 2 or 3f and a .457 RB. Its good for accuracy out to at least 100 yds and gets there quick. No rainbow trajectory.
wM1

Is the empty space filled with something or is this load so low powered that the empty space does not matter?

[Dave T]

Empty space always matters with black powder.  Projectile and wadding must be seated firmly on the powder charge.

Dave

[cpt dan blodgett]

I firmly believe there is a lot of voodoo involved with BP.  Maybe one should only load on the 3rd thursday following a new moon in months with an R, or is it without and R and the full moon???