Vibration plate instead of drop tube?

[fatelvis]

Does anybody use one of these lab vibration plates to settle powder in your case, instead of using a long drop tube? (I’m considering putting the loading black on top of the plate after Powder drop) Just kicking around the idea of trying it, when assembling compressed loads.

Amazon.com

 

[kelbro]

I remember reading about folks using an electric toothbrush against the case to increase capacity. I tried it and it worked OK.

 

[Oldbloke]

I tried electric toothbrush, then tap a few times with a pencil. Pencil won.

 

[Rockchuck]

I have always wanted to try something like that with a long drop tube as I poured it in. But I think you really need something just to peck on the sides a little. I think the toothbrush would work if I had 12 extra hands like Mr macbeevee

 

[gdbleb]

I Autotrickle into a cup and pour through a funnel into the case. Then tap, tap, tap the the cup on the funnel to settle the powder. I tried vibrating the filled cases and got too many "jumpers" (kernels jumping out of the case). Keeping the funnel in place seems to solve that issue for me.

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Does anybody use one of these lab vibration plates to settle powder in your case, instead of using a long drop tube? (I’m considering putting the loading black on top of the plate after Powder drop) Just kicking around the idea of trying it, when assembling compressed loads.

Amazon.com

I use a vibrating tool etching thingy. Cheapo. Just turn it on and touch the case. Instant powder settle. I got mine at Ace Hardware eons ago.

 

[6BRA]

I have used the dental vibration plate and still have one. Nothing will compact powder like this.
It will drop the powder 1/4 inch . I bought the one that you can put the entire loading block on .
while vibrating/keep the funnel over top the case as the kernels will jump out and this prevents it.

 

[64Rambler]

I have always wanted to try something like that with a long drop tube as I poured it in. But I think you really need something just to peck on the sides a little. I think the toothbrush would work if I had 12 extra hands like Mr macbeevee

Just be careful with anything that vibrates. If its too aggressive, you can buzz powder right out of the case!
For toothbrush users, use the back of the head over the case mouth to keep the powder in the case.

 

[CJ6]

I use a piece of lexan and hold it over the top of the filled cases using the vibratory tumbler. Doesn't take much.

 

[fatelvis]

I'm taking it that the vibratory table idea works acceptably? As good or better than a drop tube? Time to make a purchase!

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Just be careful with anything that vibrates. If its too aggressive, you can buzz powder right out of the case!
For toothbrush users, use the back of the head over the case mouth to keep the powder in the case.

That's why I keep my finger over the case mouth.

 

[dellet]

The problem with vibration vs drop tube is that with smaller diameter bullets there is not much doom for powder. You might not be able to get the whole charge in the case to settle. Might end up with two drops.

Long drop and a slow pour you don’t have that problem. Some of this is powder dependent. A fine ball powder it can drop so tight you can’t compress it. Big stick powder in a small diameter case you might need to drop then vibrate.

I don’t think there is 100% works all the time method.

 

[kelbro]

Wow. 12 posts and nobody told the OP to find a powder that didn't need to be packed so tight

 

[SteveUrban]

I picked up a Yale paper shaker from somewhere back in the 90’s. I was using it for shaking down N550 with 80 JLK’s I was shooting for Palma matches. It worked great for me. Now I use it for shaking down BPCR loads with DDPP bullets. A piece of soft foam to cover the case mouths and 5 seconds later it is done. Make sure that you cover the cases before turning it on, it has a tendency to pop and will throw powder everywhere!

Cheers,
Steve

 

[PatMiles]

Bought a demagnetizer years back to demagnetize tools. Does a great job settling 50 round reloading blocks of cases. I have to cover all the cases with a piece of sheet delrin or powder will jump up and out of the cases. In some cases the powder will settle 3/16" lower.

 

[PatMiles]

I just borrow the toys in my wife’s drawer that vibrates to use.

WTFMI!!!

 

[Fast14riot]

I've been thinking of using a "crazy straw" style drop tube when I need one. All the drop tube does is separate the kernels and slow the bunching as it enters the case. A 1 or 1.5 turn spiral will do that as well without the need to put your loading block on the shop floor to use.

 

[Allen Corneau]

I don't run super-full or compressed loads, but I do have my own little "settling technique".

I use a Satern funnel and even though it's supposed to be static-free, occasionally I'll get a kernel or two that wants to stick to the side of the funnel. Since I already have my hand on the case/funnel, my habit is to give it two quick lift/taps in the loading tray before removing the funnel. This knocks any kernels down into the case and settles the powder.

It's now an unconscious habit so it happens every time and it takes a just a second to do. Just one more method to consider.

 

[JEFFPPC]

I have a vibration device a friend made me. You set the case imside it. It works but overall is slower that a long tube with slow pour and does not compact the powder any better.

 

[NF1E]

I am of the school of funnel tap. Been loading 49 gn of Varget under .308 Berger 115s. Whatta Hobby!