new Reloading Powder Shaker review

[Palo Verde, SASS # 56522]

 

Palo Verde’s Personal Review:

Whether we are using Flake or rod powder, it is the nature of reloading machines to occasionally have powder stick or “bridge” in the drop and give us a short measure. Like most of us that have been reloading for many years, I’ve had a loud, rattling aquarium air pump attached to my powder tube when reloading so as to reduce the bridging and sticking and give more consistent powder drops. I tested this gadget on my Dilon 1050 and it actually works extremely well. I shoot in CASS and USPSA and both have minimum power factors because shooters know that the  lightest reasonable load, without going below the power factor, is the most controllable. And, if ever challenged, I know that if I have a short load in my pile of ammo, that will be one that is selected for testing.

For my hunting rifle loads I have found that I do not need to spend as much time “trickling” powder to get the exact charge weight if I use this shaker. I testd this with my RCBS loader.

This Powder Shaker from Chuckwalla’s Competition Shooting School is the first commercial product to do the job that I have been trying to do with a dang aquarium air pump of all things!

I like the on/off switch (I don’t have to reach around to the wall to unplug it). I like that I can adjust the vibrations to suit the type of powder I’m using. I like that the dang thing does not make me go deaf (it’s pretty quiet). I like that it is not an aquarium air pump!  Three models to fit any loader I can imagine (different diameter powder tubes).

 

I think he sells them on Amazon as: Chuckwalla's Competition Shooting School - Reloading Powder Measure Vibrator, Powder Shaker

Edited September 29 by Palo Verde, SASS # 56522

[Blue Ridge Ranger, SASS # 31232]

Have used and watched this unit in action.  It's a great product and does the job for which it was intended.  If your a reloader, this unit is a must.  Great job Scot.

The Blue Ridge Ranger.

[G W Wade]

Have read about this idea but never tried it.   Question for me would the charge get heavier if you didn't shut off to refill primers or grab another buckets

of bullets. maybe answer the phone    Just wondering          GW

[Palo Verde, SASS # 56522]

"Have read about this idea but never tried it.   Question for me would the charge get heavier if you didn't shut off to refill primers or grab another buckets

of bullets. maybe answer the phone    Just wondering          GW"

 

Well, this is the first For-Sale powder shaker I've ever heard of - other than using a dang loud aquarium accessary .

 

But in answer to your question, the powder would shake and sift down till measure is full. I can't see how it would get compressed just by a longer vibration time. . Of course, if it is a concern, just flip the switch to off while you are doing other things - it's right in front of you on this machine. And it is a heck of a lot easier to do with a switch than  reaching around to pull the air pump plug from the wall.

 

In my tests, I did not try to keep a standard time between each powder drop and I'm sure the time varied a lot, but the weights of dropped powder were spot on.

 

This was invented by the Chuckwalla Kid, SASS 2007 Overall World Champion, and runs a Competition shooting school. I tried it because I fugured he just might know sumpin. -- and I was already using a dang aquarium pump.

Edited September 30 by Palo Verde, SASS # 56522

[G W Wade]

It would definitely help prevent the dreaded "lite drop" that could cause a match train wreck from a squib.  A slight over charge would not be a bother to a majority  of shooters.  Some it might help {LOL}    Ball powders would not be affected much but those using flake could see a fair bump.   Shotgunners have discussed the charge weight changes of the same bushing when swapped from a single stage press here charges are dropped after a couple of pulls on the handle to a progressive where the charge is dropped every cycle.        Thanks for giving your opinion of what might be a handy tool for some applications.      GW

[Rip Snorter]

Maybe use a powder that meters well?  Sounds like a shaky solution. I've managed to do without for many decades.

[Blackwater 53393]

Good idea for stick and flake powders!  
 

I’ve had two different powders in my limited reloading experience that I wound up weighing every shell because none of my three powder dispensers would deliver consistent, accurate loads!!

 

I finally started getting fairly accurate results by tapping the powder measure with a small screwdriver handle a couple of times with every shell with the one powder.

Made me wonder about such a device!

[Too Tall Bob]

Already answered

 

Edited September 30 by Too Tall Bob

[Blackwater 53393]

For those of you interested, it’s available on Amazon.

 

 

Edited October 1 by Blackwater 53393

[Blackwater 53393]

I went ahead and ordered one for my xl750.  They come in three sizes to accommodate different sizes of powder reservoirs. The Dillon is 2.5”.

 

The reservoir on my RCBS freestanding measure is 2.25”. I’m pretty sure that I can make an adapter band to make it work with it and maybe even for my old Dietemeyer 300 as well.

 

I had a heck of a time getting consistent drops of Hodgdon Longshot when I was loading some hunting shells a while back.  I’m going to load some more of them soon.

It’s gonna take a week or so to get here. I’ll report back with pictures when I have time to try it out!

[Blackwater 53393]

Just got my Chuckwalla Powder Measure Vibrator this afternoon.

 

Looks great and it’s pretty simple. I will set it up tomorrow after I get back from the doctor.

 

 

[Blackwater 53393]

OKAY!! I just got home from the foot doctor and proceeded to set this little feller up.  Here’s what it looks like on my new xl750.

 

 

It was easy to install and I accomplished that rather quickly, (about five minutes, including unpacking and unrolling the power cord.

 

I WISH that the cord unplugged from either the unit or the power supply.  It doesn’t and so I can’t run the cord through the table with the rest of my power cords.

 

It will easily adapt to my other powder measures by using small rings of lightweight PVC.  I’ll do a separate post on that when I get time.

 

 

The video will give you an idea of how loud it is. It makes a little noise, but if you’ve got the case feeder running, it isn’t too bad. If you’ve got the radio playing you won’t hear it.

 

 

I took this picture to show the size of the little screw driver that they sent to adjust the frequency of the vibration.

 

 

You can see the tiny brass adjustment screw at the top of the unit.

 

And here’s what it looks like in amongst everything else on the press.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 9 by Blackwater 53393

[Driftwood Dan SASS #62738L]

Question:  Can say the small shaker fit a larger one by using a longer screw to tighten the band, or a larger shaker be made smaller with a shim? I have all three size hoppers but would like to only have to purchase one and switch it. Thank you. Driftwood

[Phantom, SASS #54973]

On 9/29/2024 at 6:20 PM, Palo Verde, SASS # 56522 said:

This was invented by the Chuckwalla Kid, SASS 2007 Overall World Champion, and runs a Competition shooting school.

And he's your son...isn't he??

 

Phantom

[Blackwater 53393]

1 hour ago, Driftwood Dan SASS #62738L said:

Question:  Can say the small shaker fit a larger one by using a longer screw to tighten the band, or a larger shaker be made smaller with a shim? I have all three size hoppers but would like to only have to purchase one and switch it. Thank you. Driftwood

 

I wouldn’t try the longer screw idea.  It might break the band to spread it much and tightening it could snap off the tabs because they would be misaligned.

 

I bought the 2.5” unit with the intention of using it on my smaller units and will shim it with a ring made from thin wall PVC to fit my 2.25” and 2” powder measures. The thin wall indoor conduit should work fine.  If not, I can make shims from lightweight sheet metal.

 

 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

2 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

... The thin wall indoor conduit should work fine.  If not,..

...add layers of duct tape until it does.  Should give it a little better grip, too.  I'm sort of serious, I would try it.  

[Blackwater 53393]

7 hours ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

...add layers of duct tape until it does.  Should give it a little better grip, too.  I'm sort of serious, I would try it.  

Layers of duct tape would insulate the powder measure from the vibration.  It would form a cushion and more layers would make the cushion effect greater!

 

Hard plastic of some sort or thin metal would transfer the vibration MUCH MORE effectively.

[Driftwood Dan SASS #62738L]

12 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

 

I wouldn’t try the longer screw idea.  It might break the band to spread it much and tightening it could snap off the tabs because they would be misaligned.

 

I bought the 2.5” unit with the intention of using it on my smaller units and will shim it with a ring made from thin wall PVC to fit my 2.25” and 2” powder measures. The thin wall indoor conduit should work fine.  If not, I can make shims from lightweight sheet metal.

 

 

Blackwater, Thanks for the information Next payday might stretch the $ to order one. Driftwood

[watab kid]

i rather like this unit after reading through this thread , i may have to get one , 

[Blackwater 53393]

It’s noted in a couple of the earlier posts in this thread that this is the product of a fellow SASS shooter!!  Not exactly a reason to buy, but certainly a plus if you’re in the market for something to do this job!!

[Phantom, SASS #54973]

1 hour ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

It’s noted in a couple of the earlier posts in this thread that this is the product of a fellow SASS shooter!!  Not exactly a reason to buy, but certainly a plus if you’re in the market for something to do this job!!

I believe it's Palo Verde's son...don't think he has shot CAS in a very long time.

 

I'm sure Palo Verde will probably chime in on this.

 

Phantom

[Dred Bob]

had a barrel lodged squib last weekend on a Dillon loaded 105.  placed my order.

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

1 hour ago, Dred Bob said:

had a barrel lodged squib last weekend on a Dillon loaded 105.  placed my order.

That problem would be better addressed by a low powder die like the RCBS Lock Out die.

[Cpt Dan Blodgett, SASS #75655]

I batch charge primed and expanded cases in lots of 50 to a loading block then visually inspect all 50 before seating bullets.  Still may buy one for getting more consistent charges when loading rifle caliber rifle cartridges or even close to max hunting loads for pistol calibers.

[Dred Bob]

20 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

That problem would be better addressed by a low powder die like the RCBS Lock Out die.

I just started reloading with a progressive press after 15 years with a Rock Chucker.  I have a Dillon Square Deal (SD) and I don't think there's a place for the lockout die you mention.  Another challenge with the SD is that it has a very small rotating head and you can't see into a tall case like .38 without removing the pin and removing every case to inspect.  I started out checking every cartridge but finally decided to trust the machine on the last batch.  If this doesn't work then my next step is likely to figure out how to use my old manual RCBS powder drop and a funnel.  the RCBS drop is amazingly accurate and has never missed a drop in 15 years of reloading for Bullseye and everything else.  I'm still learning (which has been half the fun of CAS).

[Eyesa Horg]

Knocking on wood! My SDB hasn't made a squib in over 30 years and many thousands of cartridges. Hope I didn't jinx myself!

[Blackwater 53393]

The main reason I bought the vibrator is two specific powders that I’ve experienced inconsistent powder drops out of every press and powder measure I have.

 

I recently loaded a hundred brand new 3” shells for hunting and home defense. It took three different procedures to get them loaded involving two different presses and finally loading the vast majority of them by dispensing the powder from my RCBS freestanding powder measure and checking every shell, often dumping the powder back into the measure a couple of times to get the load I needed.  I tapped the measure with a screwdriver handle between every drop because that powder bridged in the spout more often than not!

 

Those shells performed really well, so I am going to run another batch in the next couple of days, this time using the vibrator on the RCBS to load the powder charge.

 

I’ll post results when I’m done, including whether or not this improves the process.

[Phantom, SASS #54973]

On 9/29/2024 at 2:16 PM, Palo Verde, SASS # 56522 said:

I think he sells them on Amazon as: Chuckwalla's Competition Shooting School - Reloading Powder Measure Vibrator, Powder Shaker

Question:

 

If he's your son, wouldn't you "know" rather than "think" he sells them on Amazon?

 

If he's not your son...then...never mind. But if he is your son...isn't this whole post rather deceptive...kinda manipulating??

 

Phantom

[Idaho Gunslinger]

4 hours ago, Dred Bob said:

I just started reloading with a progressive press after 15 years with a Rock Chucker.  I have a Dillon Square Deal (SD) and I don't think there's a place for the lockout die you mention.  Another challenge with the SD is that it has a very small rotating head and you can't see into a tall case like .38 without removing the pin and removing every case to inspect.  I started out checking every cartridge but finally decided to trust the machine on the last batch.  If this doesn't work then my next step is likely to figure out how to use my old manual RCBS powder drop and a funnel.  the RCBS drop is amazingly accurate and has never missed a drop in 15 years of reloading for Bullseye and everything else.  I'm still learning (which has been half the fun of CAS).

Set up a mirror to let you see into the cases. Some guys get really fancy and use cheap amazon inspection cameras on a tablet screen. 

 

[Dred Bob]

1 hour ago, Idaho Gunslinger said:

Set up a mirror to let you see into the cases. Some guys get really fancy and use cheap amazon inspection cameras on a tablet screen. 

 

Your picture appears to be a Dillon 550.  If you've seen or worked with a "Square Deal" there's nowhere near that much room or visibility between the shell mouth and the dies/head.    But the idea of a camera like a remote bore scope or the ones for looking into walls or pipes with a 1/4" probe might actually work.   I did mount magnetic lights around it so it's well illuminated.  I can see everything except the powder in the case.

 

and btw.... WOW that is one clean press!  I might have a little progressive press envy going on right now.

 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Tens of millions of rounds have been loaded with Square Deals and hundreds of millions of rounds have been loaded using Dillon powder measures as the same one is used on all their presses.  If hundreds of thousands of squibs were showing up nation wide it would be a matter of concern.  They are not, it is not.  If someone is genuinely having a problem with powder bridging quit using that powder.  There are plenty to choose from.  If you want to watch something watch the charge bar in the measure move back and forth.  As long as there is powder in the measure and the bar is moving everything should be OK.  Most squibs are caused from short stroking the press or doing something else dumb.

 

P.S. I am talking about squibs.  I see the shaker as being useful for getting more uniform charges not so much for preventing squibs.

Edited October 16 by Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933

[El Sobrante Kid]

36 minutes ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

Tens of millions of rounds have been loaded with Square Deals and hundreds of millions of rounds have been loaded using Dillon powder measures as the same one is used on all their presses.  If hundreds of thousands of squibs were showing up nation wide it would be a matter of concern.  They are not, it is not.  If someone is genuinely having a problem with powder bridging quit using that powder.  There are plenty to choose from.  If you want to watch something watch the charge bar in the measure move back and forth.  As long as there is powder in the measure and the bar is moving everything should be OK.  Most squibs are caused from short stroking the press or doing something else dumb.

 

P.S. I am talking about squibs.  I see the shaker as being useful for getting more uniform charges not so much for preventing squibs.

 

This ^^^^^^, plus, run the handle firmly all the way to the bottom of its travel, THUD, then run it all the way to the top of its travel, CLUNK. Just doing those two things, consistently the same every time (along with proper initial setup), will get you very good results with the Dillon powder measure.

[Eyesa Horg]

+1^^^^

[Blackwater 53393]

I have the low/high powder charge warning attachment on my Dillon.  

When I use the Load All II, I can easily check the powder drops visually.

 

I’m pretty selective of the powders I use in the old Deitemeyer 300 and I visually check every few shells to make sure it’s dropping a proper charge.

 

I hand load with the RCBS freestanding powder measure when I do the brass shotgun shells and for custom loading and then I use the crimp station on the Load All to finish the plastic and paper shells.

 

Like I said earlier, there are a couple of powders that are particularly bad about metering consistently because of their structure.

 

I’m hoping that the vibrator will help smooth the process, preventing the bridging that causes inconsistent drops, which will let me load the powder once and move on to the next step.

 

Consistent loads is the goal and this new attachment is very likely to improve that consistency!

 

 

Edited October 16 by Blackwater 53393

[Eyesa Horg]

Which powders did you experience bridging with? I'll try to avoid them!