Cylinder Loaders

[Marc Adamchek]

Can anyone make a recommendation for either the Powder Inc. cylinder loader or the Tower of Power Loading Stand?

Many Thanks

ps - Ease of use is a consideration

 

[swathdiver]

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I bought the Tower of Power for no other reason than that Powder Inc. had stopped making them temporarily after the explosion.

Works great, smooth as a jewel if you keep it lubricated. Also had him make up some custom arbors for the off brand guns.

 

[Dickydalton]

I have a Powder Inc. that has worked just fine for many many rounds.

 

[AZbpBurner]

I first bought a Traditions loader and it worked great - for a while, until the handle rod bent. I eventually drilled it out and used a section of hardened screwdriver shaft & it's back in action.

Meanwhile, I got one of the Powder Inc. loaders and highly recommend it.

 

[Black Jack]

Rydon Corp. has a new loader that loads all six rounds at once. I have not used or even seen one but it's pictured on their website. Looks pretty interesting and priced right.

 

[FishDFly]

Powder Inc.

 

[hawkeye2]

Here is a link to an extensive discussion on cylinder loaders:
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=36534.0

I have used a simple loader similar to the Traditions but stronger for 25 years with no problems. It really doesn't take a sophisticated tool to do the job. If I were to buy a serious replacement for it I would go with the Tower of Power which is stainless steel. Right now I'm looking online at one of these:
http://rydoncorp.com/inc/sdetail/204

Interesting but I don't know how particle. I may just wait for a computer controlled electro-hydraulic unit to come out to load all chambers to the exact same pressure.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Maybe you could use the wad pressure gauge from a MEC reloader to seat all your charges exactly the same? :grin:

 

[hawkeye2]

Great Idea! :grin:

I just noticed how badly I misspelled practical in my post.

I ordered a Rydon 6 round reloading stand, never could resist a toy. Probably deserve a :slap: at this point. I'll report on it when I get to try it.

I have 17 C&B revolvers, 3 different calibers, 6 different models, 7 different manufacturers. The Tower of Power looks to be the most versatile and easily adaptable of the loaders so I'll probably buy one and make up different arbors and jags for all my guns. I also like the looks of it best as well as the fact it is stainless.

 

[RonRC]

I have a Rydon reloading stand in 36 and 44 cal and have used both for the first time on an 1851 Navy and 1858 Army.
It works fine. There is some play where the cylinder loader meets the screw used in raising and lowering the unit. It should be loose to allow the press to move about to the proper position over the balls.
I thought that it is loose enough to be able to set itself in the correct position as it is lowered. But, it doesn't necessarily line up perfectly with the chambers and you have to guide it with one hand while screwing down with the other. That is not a big issue and I found that by the time I loaded the 3rd cylinder, I had the routine down pat.
You do have to exert some strength in turning the screw for raising and lowering the press.
For the price, I thought it to be a very good purchase.
Ron

 

[M. De Land]

They can be easily built from scrap iron around the shop and stronger than most of the production jobs I have seen.

Also they don't need an alignment stake to make them work correctly. With a properly shaped brass seating spud they will self align any cylinder or caliber perfectly.