I’m pretty much set on going the A&D fx120i route for the scale for sure. This and and manual powder throw and trickle wouldn’t be much more than a chargemaster supreme and would be a lot more precise. Not to mention could alway add the V4 auto trickler in the future if I felt the need to speed things up.
How did you have your manual trickler setup over the A&D? And which trickler did you use in this particular setup?
I'd do a manual dropper with the IP trickler before a v4. Now the v3+IP is way way better than any other option out there right now, but to get started a manual plus the IP trickler is a good set up. Of course you can start with the scale only and build or save for the new IP whole system which you could add to the scale whenever it comes out. I suspect that will be the king of the mountain for quite a while
I've got the FX-120i, as I mentioned before and I've had the Ingenuity Precision Powder System order to go with it (ordered it about year ago and am expecting it next month). Also, as I had previously mentioned, here's a picture of my current setup, which I find faster, more accurate and more consistent than my ChargeMater-1500:
Note: My Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler you see in my picture mounted on top of the FX-120i hasa clear plastic tube attached on the end so that I can actually see how many kernels are about to drop. To drop a kernel or more, I simply tap the turning grip, either lightly, heavily or multiple time to get the amount of trickle I need for the exact target weight. If, on occasion more than I need drops in, I've got that little yellow scoop to take out what I need for the correct weight; it doesn't happen very often. That clear straw on the end really helps with controlling just how many kernels are dropped; it's a time saver.
Can you run just the IP trickler and the scale? I thought it had to be linked to something. My apologies for all the dumbass questions I’m new to all this and researching as I go. If you can run it this way that should be pretty quick setup.
I’ll more than likely do something like what you have done because I’m cheap. Did sitting the trickler on the scale like that not effect the weights or anything?
As stated, you need the V3 electronics that install into the back of the A&D scale, a connection cable for the IP Trickler, and a new power supply (I don’t think the one that comes with the scale supplies enough power to run the trickler). All three of these items are available from Adam on the AutoTrickler website for a total of about $100.00.
Thank you for the pictures sir. Does anyone use the dandy trickler anymore? Seemed to be highly recommended in the past.
Did you mean to say "inches" at 1000 yds? (and assuming you're just rounding off to 1 inch per MOA)
Thank you for the breakdown sir not doubting the chargemaster wouldn’t fit my needs but I’m overthinking it now and have made my mind up on the fx120i. Do I need it? Probably not, but it will be precise and give me piece of mind as a new reloader.
Granite slab from Amazon:
EDIT: Error in this analysis. Go to post #39
I seriously thought about getting the dandy trickler a few years back, but using the manual trickler I have and the way I use it works so well I just couldn't see how there'd be any real improvement.
I’ve got a friend that shoots PRS and he has a rcbs manual trickler he is going to give me and walk me threw his reloading process. I’ll probably order the Lee perfect powder thrower to go with it and have about $620 in my setup but should be extremely consistent.I seriously thought about getting the dandy trickler a few years back, but using the manual trickler I have and the way I use it works so well I just couldn't see how there'd be any real improvement.
Last year I had ordered the Ingenuity trickler (not the full system) as I had decided that was the one tool that could make a good difference. Not long afterwards Ingenuity announced the full automatic throwing system and I decided that's I'd really splurge for the convenience. That's how the rabbit hole goes!
Well, that really wasn't the point of contention. A 0.5 MOA group @ 100 yds that grows to 5.2" @ 1000 is NOT a 5 MOA group as stated. It is still 0.5 MOA. A 5 MOA group at 1000 yds is 52+ inches, The 4.4 inch drop at 1000 is not a 4.2 MOA drop (it is a 0.42 MOA drop), the 0.2 MOA group @ 100 does not become a 2 MOA group at 1000, etc.
Which manual powder thrower are you using in the picture you posted? Any issues with certain types of powders if your just trickling up?I seriously thought about getting the dandy trickler a few years back, but using the manual trickler I have and the way I use it works so well I just couldn't see how there'd be any real improvement.
Last year I had ordered the Ingenuity trickler (not the full system) as I had decided that was the one tool that could make a good difference. Not long afterwards Ingenuity announced the full automatic throwing system and I decided that's I'd really splurge for the convenience. That's how the rabbit hole goes!
It's the Lee Perfect Powder Measurer that came in the Lee Challenger Kit I bought when I first started reloading. I haven't had any real issues to complain about. Once on very rare occasions it'll cut a kernel, which feels like a little hang up as I go to drop a charge. As for ball powder, I haven't ever done any reloading with ball powder, but I have reloaded with small fake/disc powders like Alliant 2000-MR, Accurate MagPro and Alliant Unique, where I haven't had any issue with them; just haven't used them very much.
You are absolutely correct. I guess my losing sleep is catching up with me. Going by inches and throwing in 1 MOA shooter and rifle:
That part actually "came through" in your first post on the subject, it was just that the terminology wasn't matching - which is why my initial question to you was, did you mean to say that 0.5 MOA at 100 translates to (approx) 5 INCHES at 1000, and not 5 MOA. If you had said that, the whole thing would have been clear (even though we both know it's actually 5.23xxx inches, but 5 is close enough for the point you were making). I just didn't think you meant to state it that way, and was trying to point out the discrepancy.
It's working well for me, too. I set the powder measure (RCBS Uniflow I've had for over 40 years) to drop around 1.5gr under the target weight, set the cup on the scale and let the IP trickle up to the target while I seat the bullet from the previous drop. The trickle is done (accurately every time) long before I can finish seating the bullet.
You'll be happy with that scale/balance. You also be happy with having someone with experience guide you which in my mind is more important than any specific piece of equipment. There are so many rabbit holes that we can go down it helps having someone with experience to help avoid those that go nowhere. You've obviously touched on one here and whether the scale precision is important or not depends on what you are trying to accomplish and what you are willing to spend.
So your Lee Perfect powder measure does good will ball powder? For $25-30 I’m strongly considering giving it a shot.
