Video - Loading black powder .44-40s on a Dillon 550B

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 04, 2011, 12:34:25 PM

This is the companion video to my black powder column that will appear in the Fall issue.

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 04, 2011, 02:17:39 PM

Several sharp observers have pointed out that at 3:18 into the video, I failed to drop a powder charge.

Good catch!

I noticed it right away and dropped a charge off camera so as not to slow up the video.

One great thing about black powder is that it is easy to see if you missed the powder, and double charges are never an issue...they would just spill out of the case.

maldito gringo · June 04, 2011, 08:51:26 PM

Is there a reason why the drop tube needs to be so long?

Fox Creek Kid · June 08, 2011, 04:23:16 PM

Quote from: malito gringo on June 04, 2011, 08:51:26 PM
Is there a reason why the drop tube needs to be so long?

Yes, the powder column stacks better and smaller in the case and you get a better & more consistent burn. Is it essential in BP pistol cartridges for CAS distances? No. For Long Range BPCR it is essential.

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 10, 2011, 06:32:46 PM

Essential?...maybe not

Cool?...I think so

I use a drop tube in most of my B-P loads; rifle or pistol. I guess I figure, it can't hurt, and it might just help.

Bryan Austin · June 10, 2011, 08:57:17 PM

Thanks BDM!

Short Knife Johnson · June 11, 2011, 08:21:39 AM

I've been meaing to set up my 550B just like that. Right now, I'm doing the single stage thing to feed my BP desires. Forgot what a painful experience sinlge stage loading pistol calibres was.

Thanks for posting that vid.

maldito gringo · June 12, 2011, 05:14:20 PM

So, the ride down the drop tube allows the powder grains to distribute evenly in the case, i assume.

Bryan Austin · June 12, 2011, 05:19:54 PM

Quote from: malito gringo on June 12, 2011, 05:14:20 PM
So, the ride down the drop tube allows the powder grains to distribute evenly in the case, i assume.

Theoretically. I don't see it with the 44-40 or the 45 Colt but I am sure, from the BPCR guys, its a must for the 45-70 and larger type cartridges. I simply tap my 44 and 45 cases to let the powder settle of which it will settle at times down to 3/16" pending powder used. I can't get it to do this with a drop tube.

Short Knife Johnson · June 12, 2011, 05:28:50 PM

With my BPCR rounds, drop tubing is a must for more consistant powder settling and accuracy. Vibrating cases is hit or miss, and just dumping the powder is in a waste of time. I drop tube my .44-40's out of habit I think.

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 13, 2011, 06:49:13 PM

Me too. I drop tube my .44 Spl, .44-40 and .45 Colt B-P rounds. More out of habit.

Don't use a drop tube on B-P .38 Colt or .38 Spl...don't have a reason, it's just how I do it.

Fox Creek Kid · June 14, 2011, 05:41:18 PM

Quote from: Savvy Jack on June 12, 2011, 05:19:54 PM
Theoretically. I don't see it with the 44-40 or the 45 Colt but I am sure, from the BPCR guys, its a must for the 45-70 and larger type cartridges. I simply tap my 44 and 45 cases to let the powder settle of which it will settle at times down to 3/16" pending powder used. I can't get it to do this with a drop tube.

Yes, if one drop tubes SLOWLY and from at least TWO FEET above the case you can get more powder in the case. I have done it with 44-40 for curiousity and gotten 40 gr. in a case, albeit with compression afterwards. The secret is the height and to pour slowly.

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 14, 2011, 06:43:39 PM

Hi Fox Creek, I too have gotten 40 grains into both .44-40 and .45 Colt that way. Just to see how the old stuff really felt.

Those 40-grain .45 Colt loads hit like Thor's hammer!

Bryan Austin · June 14, 2011, 07:42:03 PM

Quote from: Fox Creek Kid on June 14, 2011, 05:41:18 PM
Yes, if one drop tubes SLOWLY and from at least TWO FEET above the case you can get more powder in the case. I have done it with 44-40 for curiousity and gotten 40 gr. in a case, albeit with compression afterwards. The secret is the height and to pour slowly.

Dangit, I'll try some more!!!

Bryan Austin · June 14, 2011, 08:08:43 PM

Quote from: Bottom Dealin Mike on June 14, 2011, 06:43:39 PM
Those 40-grain .45 Colt loads hit like Thor's hammer!

Not to get off topic but here is a video I made 40S&W vs 45 Colt with 40gr Black Powder

Deadeye Dick · June 14, 2011, 10:41:52 PM

Savvy Jack,
That was cool.
Deadeye Dick

Bottom Dealin Mike · June 15, 2011, 07:11:01 AM

Thanks Savy Jack. Cool video!

Fox Creek Kid · June 16, 2011, 03:34:22 AM

Why two hands on the .45, S.J.? Man up!!

Bryan Austin · June 16, 2011, 05:56:13 AM

Quote from: Fox Creek Kid on June 16, 2011, 03:34:22 AM
Why two hands on the .45, S.J.? Man up!!

lol, trying to aim trough the camera was killing me!

Steel Horse Bailey · June 17, 2011, 12:43:46 PM

Drop tubes? Yep. It's that silly gravity thing.

Like Mike, Foxy and others, I've gotten more powder into a case by dropping and also compressing BP. You can safely get 1/4" compressed if you're careful - easily in a 45-70, do-able in 45 Colt or 44WCF.

Does anyone know whether Dillon has dropped their stance on BP in their machines? Years ago, I was told that if I loaded BP on my 550 they would nullify the warranty.

(Personally, I doubt whether they would have actually enforced this because of their outstanding customer service, but I'm sure they were talking about a powder explosion from "static" (yes, I know) not part breakage.