One Concept for Duplex Vial

Long story short in order to get needed velocity say from a 200gr bullet like the 200FTX I see no other option other than going with a duplex. For me I want to use a single vial with double compartments. For single loads I like the plastic vials that allows me to see the powder and that it is all emptied when poured. The point of the double compartment is to keep the whole load in one location instead of having 2-loose vials to deal with.

Now this poly plastic doesn’t lend itself to gluing so I thought I would try fusing the ends with carefully placed heat from a soldering iron. Surprisingly it worked well and when I tried to flex it, it held together without breaking. With the use of this method there is a groove left behind from the pointed soldering iron that I don’t like having.
I tried to produce an epoxy band around the joint but the epoxy ran and had to quickly clean it before it solidified. Okay no panic as this can be corrected by rotating the vial while the epoxy cures. Years ago I used to build fishing rods and after tying on the eyes the thread had to be coated with epoxy. For rotation I used to use a barbecue rotisserie motor and may have to build another that would be a nice winter project anyway.

One way or the other I will have that epoxy band for additional support. Anyway I thought I would share my project and to where I’m at with it.

Attachment 27964



Ed

Ed here's what I'm using, I had to glue two separate vials together to make one. A smaller container in the opposite end of a larger one it actually fits inside the larger vial, works very well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ps2f2d6cd6.jpg

Looks good, leave it out in the cold and see if that makes a difference when flexed...

Excellent idea Ed...necessity has always been the driving force behind invention :)

Back when I was reading about the issue of duplex loading, I saw a few guys had come up with ideas to hold the loads...allot dealt with old brass casings fixed together with various types of plugs. Some guys seem to think working with plastic has a problem with static in the bottle/tube and cause the powder to stick etc. Could be an issue I guess, but not too many other work arounds if you want the contents to be visible.

With some trail and error, eventually you'll find a glue/epoxy that will hold...there is a whack of stuff on the market these days.

MikePal

Yes there are different duplex carriers out there conceived by others that work well for them. For years with single powder loads I just used single plastic vials that also worked well fitting my vest’s rifle shell carriers when hunting.
Never experienced static cling but I understand that if that occurs you wipe the inside of the vials with a Fleecy cloth and problem gone.
For years now I have only placed 1-loading vial on the bench per shot. The only adjustment now is repeating one step twice.

Bdog

Cold shouldn’t be an issue once I eliminate flexing stress possibility with a re-enforcing band using epoxy. As the epoxy will not properly bond with this plastic it will create a band seen like they use for wood barrels. By filling in the trough left behind from soldering iron it should anchor the epoxy band into position.


Smokeeter

Good to hear from you.
I’ve got to ask what glue did you use that created the bond?
With 4759 disappearing have you given any thought for replacement for your duplex?


Ed

If you're getting static in your plastic vials, try wiping them with dryer sheets inside and out, it helps....

I used epoxy to glue the two vials together. Not much reinforcement is necessary because one vial fits inside of the other. I'm still using 4759 as a booster I have about 3 lbs at my disposal and at 10 grs for a boost that should be a lifetime supply.
You should try to find some tubing that will fit over the vials you're using to secure the joint, possibly even a shrink tubing leaving it short of the end caps to keep them functional.
As for the static, the dryer sheets do work but I've found that once they have had powder in them once they don't tend to stick and if they do just tap on the muzzle when loading to get all of the grains.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by smokeeter

Ed here's what I'm using, I had to glue two separate vials together to make one. A smaller container in the opposite end of a larger one it actually fits inside the larger vial, works very well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...ps2f2d6cd6.jpg

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That right there is a beautiful thing. Impressive FPS and invention!

Smokeeeter

Thanks for responding to my question and will keep the sleeve approach in mind.
I have a couple of lbs of the new 4759 but when Hodgdon changed the powder formulation I feel that the response from this new formulation isn’t giving me my best possible results with lighter bullets. So obviously a duplex will need to be utilized with a slightly faster booster and 4198 as the main charge. As I’ve decided to go this route of duplex I first need some good vials put together this winter.

Anyway nice to know you are around and your knowledge of the 45 and 50 SML will be an asset here.


Hey Everybody hope you have a Happy New Year.



Ed

Ed...I had an idea.....awhile back I picked up these plastic vials off eBay to carry my T7 loose powder loads for when I'm in the range shack...they work fabulous.

http://www.oodmag.com/community/show...ighlight=tubes

So for smokeless duplex loads, these should work for you. I cut the end off one and stuff 1/2 if an ear plug down into it as a divider and use the cap from a second one to seal up the other end.

(the ear plugs are made of a product that prevents them from sliding so they stick pretty good in the vial)

These tubes hold 100+ grains of T7 so they should be big enough.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps9aa8b945.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...psb4c64866.jpg

MikePal

That looks like a good approach to explore if you are starting from scratch.
In my case I have a 100 of the twist cap vials and would like to utilize them more.
Also they are an ideal fit in my hunting vest that I want to retain if possible.


Thanks for adding your idea to this thread.


Ed

This was the first year I tried pre-measuring my powder and taking it out to the range. It was a small change, but made a big difference in the load procedure. Much safer and faster.

One aspect of the vials I'm using is that they have a 'plug'...as opposed to a twist off cap. I seems that when loading you never have enough free hands; hold the gun, hold the powder, hold the funnel,etc etc....so the stopper is handy as you can use your teeth to pull it and pour with one hand. Worked very well for me this past fall.

Anyway, I like the idea of using a shrink tube sleeve over the join in your setup....that will stabilize it nicely. It wouldn't have to be to wide so it won't block your view.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MikePal

This was the first year I tried pre-measuring my powder and taking it out to the range. It was a small change, but made a big difference in the load procedure. Much safer and faster.

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MikePal

I fully agree with that statement. For range work with a muzzle loader I found you should be organized with everything so that visually you can easily observe all components and even their status of usage. From organization you can develop a good loading routine to follow.
For range work I use a shot-shell carrier to hold my vials. When a vial is emptied I turn it upside down when returned to the carrier. I don’t consider this the only system but one that works for me.

Attachment 27972


Know what you mean about not having enough free hands at times.
I too enjoy using a powder funnel to try and ensure the full powder load is poured into the bore. Mine stays stationary when placed on the muzzle so no hand support necessary.


Ed