Adding a vibrator to a Dillon powder measure

[Walter Laich]

I believe that gentle vibration to a powder measure helps maintain the consistency of the powder throws. There are commercial ones on the market that run from $50+ to over $100, a bit steep for me. Also, they don’t lend themselves to being swapped from one measure to another—time to get back to shade-tree mechanics.
Simply put, I built a wooden shelf upon which an aquarium pump sits. It is held on with rubber bands and can be changed from one measure to another in less than a minute. The cost was $6.00, not counting the cost of the rubber bands ☺. After using it for a while, I’m not sure the shelf is necessary but I use it since I went on and made it.
One bonus is that you can’t hear the pump running, so there is no distracting noise to put up with.

The top and bottom of the shelf, the hole is for the intake on the pump. The sliding pin is to lock in on the measure and keep it level.
Mounted on the SDB, other Dillon machines would also accept this mounting option

[rancher1913]

thats more appapro than most, the little personal mini vibes work great just taped to the tube

[Kraschenbirn]

thats more appapro than most, the little personal mini vibes work great just taped to the tube

+1 here except I just use 5/8" wide rubber bands from Office Depot.

Bill

[Three44s]

I wonder about the vibration motor off a retired cell phone?

Three44s

[JimB..]

I’ve thought about doing this, small vibrating motors are cheap, but have been waiting for someone to demonstrate their value. Has anyone compared say 50 throws of powder with and without this modification to see if the SD is lowered by the mod?

[John Wayne]

I've never seen a problem with inconsistent throws.
JW

[MrWolf]

I’ve thought about doing this, small vibrating motors are cheap, but have been waiting for someone to demonstrate their value. Has anyone compared say 50 throws of powder with and without this modification to see if the SD is lowered by the mod?

That would be helpful to know. Been awhile for me but hopefully will be back to being productive by years end.

[jmorris]

An oldie but a goodie.



And a way to do it that isn't as funny..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XZBFMZ7I_o

[Kraschenbirn]

I’ve thought about doing this, small vibrating motors are cheap, but have been waiting for someone to demonstrate their value. Has anyone compared say 50 throws of powder with and without this modification to see if the SD is lowered by the mod?

Don't have any recorded comparitive data but I've been vibrating both my Dillon measures for several years. Doesn't seem to make much difference with ball or fine-grain powders but, in my experience, vibration did improve comsistency for the bulkier 'flakes' such as Unique or 700X.

Bill

[Mk42gunner]

I think it would be fine for helping consistency, as long as you don't leave it on while taking a break. Then it might settle the powder a bit too well.

Robert

[kungfustyle]

is this thread still PG?
I could just see it, going into a store to purchase this and telling the clerk, "no, really this is for my reloading room"

[gwpercle]

I found a small vibrator in my wife's night stand ...
Attached it to the powder measure hopper with rubber bands .
Run it on Low and it works like a charm !
I kinda like the pink color too !

You guys come up with some Great Ideas !

Thanks to All of you
Gary