tubing sources?

[Kirk A]

I would like to upgrade my Star's powder magazine tube and the Hulme case feeder tubes (2 of 5 are broken). Do you recommend any particular sizes, types (of clear plastic), or vendors for these supplies?

My Hulme case feeder tubes measure approximately 0.630" od x 0.560" id. I believe that 0.625 od x 0.500" id would work, and I see that this dimension is produced in a few places. Does your experience bear this out?

The powder magazine, on the other hand, seems more challenging. My baffle and nozzle measure approximately 1.410" od. Given the standard 1/8" and 1/16" plastic wall sizes, this seems like an oddball dimension. Perhaps I've measured it wrong. What works for you? (My red anodized metal magazine will get a clear replacement, preferably in a larger volume.)

Thanks,
-Kirk

[MikeA]

Kirk,
I bought my last power tube at McMaster-Carr  8585K432 Polycarbonate Round Tube, 1-1/2" Od, 1-3/8" Id, 2' Length, Clear, at $3.86 per foot.

The feed tube for the Hulme I use is 5/8" OD X 1/2" ID and I am sure McMaster-Carr has it also.
You might consider making yourself a 'Freeloader' type device and this will save you buying extra
tubes.
I will Email you pictures of the one I made.
MikeA
This is for the Hulme:
Part Number:  8565K36  $5.73 Each   Material Cellulose
 
Shape Tubes
 
Tube Type Round
 
Length 6'
 
Inside Diameter 1/2"  OD 5/8"
 
 

[ce1911]

I ordered these tubes from McMaster Carr based on a forum recommendation and they worked great on the Hulme case feeder. They come in 6' lengths.
9245K25 Clear PETG Tube, 5/8" OD, 1/2" ID
Dale

[Joatmon]

You can also find that size tubing on Ebay, 6 ft lengths 5/8" OD, 1/2" ID.  Plastics companies regularly advertise there.  That is where I picked mine up, just do a search on acrylic tubing or polycarbonate tubing.  The cost was about 6 dollars/section, shipping was reasonable and it was well packed. 

Unfortunately I have not found a source of the size that is the same spec as the Hulme tubing (~.560 ID).  The 1/2" ID material will not work on the Phelps loader that I have set up for 45 LC, that rim is just a bit too big.  If anyone has a source for that, I would appreciate hearing about it. 

John

[MikeA]

John,
Try McMaster-Carr item # Part Number:  8628K57  It is nylon with a .562" ID and 5/8" OD at less than $5.00/6'.
It is a little thin and not clear but it should sufice.
MikeA.

[rinedine]

Take your dial calipers with you and start looking for used curtain rods in the Salvation Army Thrift store, Goodwill Thrift Store etc.
I purchased a 4 foot piece with an inside diameter of .585 and an outside diameter of .635.
You can't see through it but after I load it 3/4 full with .45 acp cases I put a 1/4 " wood dowel rod on top as a gauge.
The rod cost me $.50.