RE: loading tubes
I made a drop tube from an Easton aluminum arrow shaft and a small plastic funnel found in the housewares department at most stores. I cut the shaft to rest high enough to allow for the amount of powder I use. I epoxied the funnel to the top of the shaft and that's it. I use it to load Triple Se7en ffg at the range. It works very well and is inexpensive to make, especially if you already have the arrow shaft.