A method for loading a particulate catalyst into a vertical catalyst tube includes (i) introducing catalyst loading apparatus into a vertical catalyst tube, (ii) loading catalyst particles into the top of the tube whereinafter they contact the apparatus as they pass down the tube, forming a uniform bed of catalyst beneath the apparatus and (iii) simultaneously removing the apparatus from the catalyst tube in timed relationship to the catalyst loading, wherein the apparatus includes one or more deflector units, each deflector unit including a plurality of inclined deflector plates arranged on a rigid elongate member such that all the catalyst particles are deflected by one or more of the plates as they pass through the or each unit.