Manual Case Collator

[44Vaquero]

An older gentleman with limited dexterity requested a case collator for manual reloading smaller (.40 cal and under) cases . This is what I made for him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OhqQw1CZuw

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[wallenba]

I can see practical applications for that for me. I don't necessarily need the carousel, But mounting the case feeder tube off my Lee loadmaster would allow me to quickly obtain rifle cartridges like 308W. For rifle cases, I like to hand feed them rather than use the shuttle mechanism.

Where did you get the white inserts in your collator? I'm having problems with a few upside down cases once in a while. They look a little like wad guides from a shotshell reloader with the fingers removed. If so, what gauge?

P.S. Always was a Ben Johnson fan.

[44Vaquero]

PEX 1/2 inch Tubing cut about 3/8 to 1/2 sections and press fit flush in place. It can be removed for loading calibers larger than .40.

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The Fender Washer and 1/4 inch bolt/nut function as a deflector, allowing the user to drop an entire handful of shells directly into the collator without any going in upside down! The Foldgers coffee lid keeps dust out when not in use.

[dudel]

I've found the Lee Collator a handy way to do boolit and brass counts. Just write down how many of each will fill a tube. Then I stand the four tubes with the collator on top, in a plastic bin. Add brass or boolits to the top and shake. When full, remove any remaining from the collator top. Lift the tubes and the bin now contains 4x the count per tube of what your counting. Works great for brass and boolits.

[44Vaquero]

140239
Modified and finished, ready to ship!

[VHoward]

Awesome use of an inexpensive collator for a friend. My idea instead of the turn wheel, use a shuttle. Push shuttle in under opening of collating tube, pull out and there is a case for you. Repeat.

[44Vaquero]

Vhoward, That was actually his original idea when he contacted me and asked if I could help. For a partial-amputee (finger/thumb) the wheel works fantastic and has the advantage of allowing pre-staging of cases vs., a shuttles one per push/pull. You could spring load the shuttle deadman style but it's still one at a time.

[VHoward]

I was just thinking of bench space taken up, But the wheel looks good too.

[r1kk1]

I don't care what that Governor says about you Vaquero! You do good work!

Take care

r1kk1

[44Vaquero]

For Moldmaker

[mold maker]

The unit works as shown. Thanks to 44vaquero for a job well done.
No matter what I tried to feed cases from,
they turned open side up,
nested together,
so picking them up one at a time,
and orienting them for the shell holder, was a real problem.
I had to physically look and pick out a target case, to manipulate it. This created a tremendous waste of time.
This unit provides each case,
accessible to my grasp,
in the same place,
already oriented.
It works for every stage up to dropping powder, even for operator fed progressive presses.
It works for 32-45ACP cases, with minor adjustment.
As I develop muscle memory and habit, this operation will become a mindless movement, not requiring visual attention. The time savings, and lowered frustration level, has increased my enjoyment and production tremendously.
Jim, I'm forever in your debt.

[LUBEDUDE]

44- job well done my friend!