Reproduction Snail Drum - progress

[DonVoigt]

Here are some more pictures of the drum installed, being loaded using the support strut invented by
GT, and of the support strut itself.

The drum takes a tremendous pressure when loading against the approx. 10 lb main spring, and if used long enough would wear out the mag notch or crack at the junction of the straight magazine part where it transitions to the drum. The loading support strut is adjustable to accomodate variances in drum dimensions. I tried it on my one original Bing drum and had to move the support block about 1/8" and it fit perfectly. There is one modification to the loader, which comprises replacing the pivot bolt with a longer one with a rounded stop nut for a connecting point for the strut, it is visible in one of the pictures, sorry it is a little fuzzy, long exposure and hand held the piece.

It appears the Germans did not worry about this in WWI, as they had hundreds of thousands of drums! And - as I said before the original was more robust, using heaver gage steel and no doubt better welding technique.

So today, the support strut prevents a problem developing, rather than solving a ready problem.

Loaded the new drum for the third time tonight, with 124gr S&B ball; will test fire tomorrow, but the loading was smoother just in these 3 or four times. I expect it to continue to smooth up.

I'll take it apart after tomorrows session, clean and re-lube, while inspecting for any sharp edgest that might need smoothing up for even better performance.

Here are some selected pictures.

[G.T.]

Many thanks to Don for the excellent pictures showing the loading assist strut in use!........ Just a few little points that show in the photos so I can maybe explain a little bit about what they are, and why they are there?... In the pictures of the modified loading tool its self, you can also see two additional blackened flat washers. I installed them to tighten up the loader to improve the loading experience, by stiffening up the tool when installed and levered... It helps direct the loading energy, and is just more controllable under stress...
Also, the little black plastic block isn't just any plastic, it is Delrin, I think a Polyoxymethylene plastic that is stronger and more ridged than Nylon, a polyamide plastic.... Machinists love it as it machines about like aluminum for accuracy and sharp tooling cuts it like butter! But, it is expensive, especially in most suitable sizes?.... But perfect for my application on these loading assist tools... Also, the little knob at the top doesn't turn, I just haven't found anything better for right now although I'm looking, as the knob are an added expense as well!... Back to the old money versus time equation!........ Once you get familiar with what has to happen, it is a "snap" to use both literally and figuratively... And, as Don pointed out, its primary function is to minimize damage that might occur over time?... It compensates for things we cannot change, but improves the loading experience in an overall fashion in many ways! Thanks to Don, for his help, and thanks to all who have taken an interest in this thread!.... best to you all, til...lat'r....GT.....