Anyone know where I can get ahold of some "loading tube

**Death006** · 07-30-2008

A few years back I visited a local NSSA match with my mother. A fellow I met there by the name of Jim Strang I believe (sorry if I messed up the name, I remember what ya look like but can't remember the name, ha ha) was kind enough to give me some red plastic tubes. All the NSSA skirmishers had them, you filled them with powder then placed the lubed mini ball on top, plugging the whole thing up. It makes for quick loading, plus it's convenient to go the range and only have to take the filled tubes and some caps, instead of the whole powder measure and friends.

Now I am grateful for the tubes, but the funny thing is I find myself in need of more. I shoot about thirty shots, then have to resort to my paper cartridges, or measure out powder and hand lube a ball. I did some searching on the internet but I'm not sure what these little devils are called. I probably won't be able to make it to any skirmishes, so I figured the best way for me to buy some would be online. I can't find them on the internet though and was wondering if anyone here knows a place where I can pick some up?

If anyone knows a good place online I would very thankful!

-Burke

**Jim Strang** · 07-30-2008

Burke:

How ya doin', bud? We'd still love to have you become a part of this great organization!

The red tubes are called "caplugs." Their original purpose is to protect threads, etc., on pipes, etc., but they've adopted most excellently to skirmishing use, where we call 'em quick-loading tubes. They come in two styles: soft, round-tipped vinyl and harder plastic, flat-based units.

You can get the round-based type from the Winchester Sutler, at:
http://cwsutler.hypermart.net/ShotLoad.html#QCTube
or the flat-based ones from the North East Trade Co.:
http://northeasttradeco.com/

If you go to North East, I'd also recommend their inside/outside bullet luber:
http://northeasttradeco.com/catalog/pro ... 4aea040519
The easiest way to lube a mess o' minies.

And, we have skirmishes at Pleasant hill, near Troy, O., Aug. 15-17, and again at Centerburg Sept. 19-21. Maps still available at:
http://www.n-ssa.net/midwest/midwest.htm

C'mon out. We'd love to set the hook!

**Death006** · 07-31-2008

Hey Jim nice to talk to you again.
I appreciate the links, I'm all set now. It was a pain in the neck making hand rolled paper cartridges, not to mention the paper sucked out the moisture from my lube.

Unfortunately my college years are not co-operating too well with my hobbies, shooting included. This summer break has been my only free time in awhile. I did a year at OSU-Columbus, and this August I'm heading down to a small college in Florida called Flagler. As soon as I get school out of the way and get settled down, I'll stop by the nearest NSSA shoot and find me a unit (If they will take me :lol: ) . I'm looking forward too it.

-Oh, and a quick question. http://cwsutler.hypermart.net/ShotLoad.html#QCTube
The red tubes on this site say that the tubes can hold 60 grains of FFFG. Does this include the minie ball taking up space?
I usually shoot 500 grain minie balls (fifty eight caliber), with 60 grains of FFG. I was wondering if I would be better off to get the black ones for the increased powder capacity? But I notice that the black ones are for the big bore guns? My mind is confused for sure now, ha ha ha.

Thanks for the info,
-Burke