Scales scales scales... tell me about your scale!

#52
I got the A&D/Auto Throw/Auto Trickler setup preordered as soon as I saw it. It was well worth the wait and price. I used to throw low on a Redding BR measure and pinch or trickle to +/-0.02gr. on a Sartorious. Now I just sit there and watch the setup run because it's so stinkin' cool. I was VERY fast and accurate with my previous setup, but the Auto Throw/Trickler setup is still twice as fast and just as accurate. I'll probably never go back if I can help it.
 
#54
Sheldon N said:
Curious here, what is a real world time for you guys to prime, powder charge and bullet seat 100 cases using the Auto Trickler setup?

Assume you start with everything all set up and ready to begin working, so just the actual amount of time for the priming, weighing powder into the case, and seating bullets.
Click to expand...

Sheldon,

I do all my loading on a Hornady progressive one of two ways, either "full auto" running a decap die-prime-size-mandrel-charge station (funnel)-seat all at once, or more often I separate into two runs of decap-prime-size-mandrel and a separate charge-seat. So not exactly what you're asking for, but hopefully a reference you can compare to.

I have an FX-120i with the Autotrickler only, I pre-throw charges low with a Harrels measure. Am interested in the Autocharge but I don't really expect it to improve efficiency much.

Running "full auto" I have timed myself doing 200 match rounds in almost exactly an hour, setup not included. That's running as fast as possible when late for a match! Just doing a charge-seat run I am 25-30 min for 100 rounds. I think below 25 min would be possible but I haven't tried to push the speed for a while, I'm reasonably content with the efficiency as is.

Also, I don't try to get every single charge to the kernel, I give myself a +2/-1 tolerance (using .02 gr/kernal Varget) which really reduces the number of times I have to manually intervene.
 
#55
Carl_Ross said:
Sheldon,

I do all my loading on a Hornady progressive one of two ways, either "full auto" running a decap die-prime-size-mandrel-charge station (funnel)-seat all at once, or more often I separate into two runs of decap-prime-size-mandrel and a separate charge-seat. So not exactly what you're asking for, but hopefully a reference you can compare to.

I have an FX-120i with the Autotrickler only, I pre-throw charges low with a Harrels measure. Am interested in the Autocharge but I don't really expect it to improve efficiency much.

Running "full auto" I have timed myself doing 200 match rounds in almost exactly an hour, setup not included. That's running as fast as possible when late for a match! Just doing a charge-seat run I am 25-30 min for 100 rounds. I think below 25 min would be possible but I haven't tried to push the speed for a while, I'm reasonably content with the efficiency as is.

Also, I don't try to get every single charge to the kernel, I give myself a +2/-1 tolerance (using .02 gr/kernal Varget) which really reduces the number of times I have to manually intervene.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks Carl. That's exactly the info I was looking for. I run almost exactly the same workflow on a Dillon 550 and I'm currently at about 50 minutes for 100 cases weighed to +/- a kernel (0.02 varget) when dong prime, funnel charge, bullet seat. I'm doing it with a GemPro 250 and a throw/weigh/count kernels approach. Goes pretty quick but it looks like I could knock another 15-20 minutes off each 100 rounds.

Edit: Timed myself yesterday afternoon, did 100 rounds weighed to +/- 0.02, primed, powdered and bullet seated in 43 minutes. A bit faster but boy does it require a lot of mental concentration and effort. Certainly not what I would call relaxed reloading.
 
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#56
I finally did it, bit that bullet and bought the whole set up from CE. Makes my stomach hurt a bit but at least I'll have the best, right?

[IMG2=JSON]{"data-align":"none","data-size":"full","src":"https:\/\/i.imgur.com\/1ACsTmm.gif"}[/IMG2]
 
#58
Yea I just got an email yesterday from CE that they finally got the new shipment of AutoThrowers shipping to them from Adam tomorrow and will be receiving them next week. Looking forward to not throwing on the CM then moving it over to the A&D setup to finish trickling up.
 
#59
I preordered an fx-120i and Autothrower/Autotrickler setup as soon as I heard about it. I got the fx-120i in immediately and started using it throwing a touch low with a Redding BR-30 and trickling manually with a trickle setup on the top of the scale cover trickling through a funnel set in the center hole. Just doing that compared to how I was loading with charge masters was SOOOOOOOOOO much faster and less frustrating, I couldn't wait to get the Autotrower.

I received mine a month ago and installed everything but reloading got put on the back burner so I never programmed or used it until last night. Installing the stuff on the scale when I got it too maybe 15 mins and last night I was programmed and throwing charges within 10 minutes of starting, it was very easy. I loaded over 200 rounds total with both H1000 and H4350 (about half and half) and all I can say is it was worth every penny. It's super fast, like less than 10 second from the time I sat the pan on the scale to a fully thrown and trickled charge fast. I only had a few go over and only by a kernel or two which was as simple as knowing approx what the kernels weigh and have the tweezers on stand by to pull out a kernel or two and recheck.

The design also makes it really nice for changing powders or topping off. Where I set mine up I only have about 4" clearance to the bottom of a shelf which isn't enough room to pour powder in. You grab the hopper and give it a 1/4 turn clockwise and it closes it so nothing will spill and lift it off. You can top off the hopper or empty it out. The empty the thrower unit from there all you do is manually cycle the thrower a few times, flick the body to make sure no powder stuck along the way and you can even lift the entire unit/cover off easily to look down in it or turn it upside down to get any other powder out. Was super fast/simple.

I'm extremely happy with my purchase and am very glad that Adam came up with this setup. It saved me nearly $3K over the alternative (that I was about to purchase) which is the cost of an extra S&B. I couldn't imagine ever going back to another setup. Yes it's nearly a grand all said and done but that's about the same as a couple charge masters and a good scale, and it's so much faster, easier, and more accurate. If you value your time at all it's a worthwhile investment even if you don't load tens of thousands of rounds per year.
 
#61
orkan said:
No, you won't have the best.
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kYa5t0z.gif





Well I'll have good enough for everyone else and you can keep your best at 3 times the up charge for mechanical superiority.
 
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#62
Just looked up pricing on the Prometheus Gen II again, and it's $5100 if you actually want to own it yourself. The other option is a "lease" at $3600.

The advent of technology making automation and accuracy possible at lower and lower price points is going to be tough for his business model.
 
#63
Sheldon N said:
The advent of technology making automation and accuracy possible at lower and lower price points is going to be tough for his business model.
Click to expand...
Only for those that haven't used one.

Fact is the only people that think the digital scale auto-throw/auto-trickler can even be compared to the prometheus are those that can't afford the prometheus or haven't used one.

I think it's great that there are low cost options. I truly do. Cool, and keep going.

... but the line must be drawn when words like "best" get thrown around. The best doesn't have anything to do with digital scales or manual powder manipulation. The best doesn't worry about your budget. That's the way it's always been. That's the way it'll always be.

 
#64
I get "best", I like fancy stuff like high end mechanical watches. Yes something mechanical is likely to continue to work longer. Electronics will crap out eventually, and there's certainly more electronics in a digital scale/auto trickler combo than there is in a Prometheus (though there's some in there too).

But when it comes down to powder weighing, isn't this more about just the basics of performing a task accurately, repeatably, quickly, with low effort? Otherwise we're just talking about man jewelry for the reloading bench. Sure, the Promethues is the Rolex of reloading (and is priced accordingly), but most people are just looking to put the right amount of powder in a case and go shoot. And looking at things through that lens, I don't see any functional difference between these two options. Which means that the Prometheus is priced 5 times higher, for just those quasi intangibles.
 
#65
Sheldon N said:
I get "best", I like fancy stuff like high end mechanical watches. Yes something mechanical is likely to continue to work longer. Electronics will crap out eventually, and there's certainly more electronics in a digital scale/auto trickler combo than there is in a Prometheus (though there's some in there too).

But when it comes down to powder weighing, isn't this more about just the basics of performing a task accurately, repeatably, quickly, with low effort? Otherwise we're just talking about man jewelry for the reloading bench. Sure, the Promethues is the Rolex of reloading (and is priced accordingly), but most people are just looking to put the right amount of powder in a case and go shoot. And looking at things through that lens, I don't see any functional difference between these two options. Which means that the Prometheus is priced 5 times higher, for just those quasi intangibles.
Click to expand...

The electronics in the prometheus aren't required for it to do its job. Quite literally, you can unplug it, and still load to the kernel, and do it about as fast. The electronics "automate" the job.

In terms of accuracy, repeatability, speed, and effort... the Prometheus is simply better at every metric than any of the digital scales. It's not "jewelry" for the reloading bench. ... which is why I have to speak up when "best" gets thrown around. This concept being promoted in which these digital setups are as good as the Prometheus is simply false. It isn't 6 of one, half dozen of the other. Those that own a Prometheus know this. Those that don't, can speculate all they want... but it won't change the truth.

If people stay in their lane, there won't be a problem. This stuff is clearly budget-oriented success. Plenty of people getting happy, and that's good. Yet many posts are akin to someone buying a corvette and then saying it's the same as a lamborghini. Well, it isn't.
 
#72
I have an a&d with auto trickler. It is probably the best FOR THE PRICE. However it will be for sale as soon as my promethius is done.

I am tired of having to add a kernel or two or take one out to get it exactly right. I am tired of worrying about dropping a kernel as I dump the pan of powder into the case. I am tired of wondering if a kernel splashed out of the pan onto the tray and is going to throw off the entire series of cases.

I thought the a&d was top notch until I saw a promethius work. It took 5 cases to convince me to order one. Powder drops straight into case with no worries of “slop”. Powder is dead on or plus one kernel... not plus or minus 2 that I have with the auto trickler. It is faster, easier, and requires less handling of powder.

Now...not all budgets will tolerate the cost...and the a&d is appropriate for the price range...but it is not in the same category as a promethius.
 
#73
padom said:
Yea I just got an email yesterday from CE that they finally got the new shipment of AutoThrowers shipping to them from Adam tomorrow and will be receiving them next week. Looking forward to not throwing on the CM then moving it over to the A&D setup to finish trickling up.
Click to expand...

Anyone got delivery notification yet ?
 
#74
orkan

Thanks for your real life insight, the kind ONLY gained through experience and not from speculation. Some of us greatly appreciate that. Automated powder dispensing is not something that interests me right now, but it's good to know where to find the best if that changes. Keep up the good work!
 
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#78
Got scale and thrower right away. The throwers were out of stock. They got another shipment last week but not sure how many the received and how many backorder they have. You can email them, customer service is excellent.
 
#79
padom said:
Got scale and thrower right away. The throwers were out of stock. They got another shipment last week but not sure how many the received and how many backorder they have. You can email them, customer service is excellent.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the response! I will email them tomorrow and ask.

Todd
 
#80
I ordered everything on 9/8 I received my scale and trickler on 9/28. I still have not received my thrower. However I have talked to them a couple of times. Customer service is top notch.
 
#82
I ordered on the fifth and then a couple days later I called to check up on it. CE said that they were waiting on Adam to send stuff to them and that they think that he was having an issue sourcing or acquiring stepper motors? In any case they are trying to get more products in for them to ship.
 
#84
LOL, they were waiting on throwers to ship me mine. I asked them just to ship me my scale and trickler and they can send me the thrower when they are back in stock. They said no problem and I had my stuff a few days later.
 
#92
I received mine yesterday! What a quality product. Assembly took about 20-30 minutes and I was throwing charges soon after. It's very fast and accurate! I started with a 77.8 grain charge of Retumbo. Out of 100 charges thrown, only about 8 to 10 were off by .02. I absolutely love this thing. I timed each charge right at 13 seconds each. I did replace the trickler base with the Area 419 aluminum base and the plastic cups with a cut down pill bottle. I did have a few kernels splash out of the supplied plastic cup. The taller pill bottle solved that. Also, I've heard some guys saying that this powder dispenser would not work well with ladder test loads. That's totally wrong! I did a test pack of 5 different loads at a .4 difference (10) each and it went really quickly. I would just throw an eleventh charge and hand trickle another .4 and hit start again. All in all, I give this setup a huge thumbs up. It is well worth the money spent.

Best Regards,

Todd
 
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#93
MACHTECH said:
I received mine yesterday! What a quality product. Assembly took about 20-30 minutes and I was throwing charges soon after. It's very fast and accurate! I started with a 77.8 grain charge of Retumbo. Out of 100 charges thrown, only about 8 to 10 were off by .02. I absolutely love this thing. I timed each charge right at 13 seconds each. I did replace the trickler base with the Area 419 aluminum base and the plastic cups with a cut down pill bottle. I did have a few kernels splash out of the supplied plastic cup. The taller pill bottle solved that. Also, I've heard some guys saying that this powder dispenser would not work well with ladder test loads. That's totally wrong! I did a test pack of 5 different loads at a .4 difference (10) each and it went really quickly. I would just throw an eleventh charge and hand trickle another .4 and hit start again. All in all, I give this setup a huge thumbs up. It is well worth the money spent.

Best Regards,

Todd
Click to expand...

Mine arrived Thursday, set up this morning exactly as per above - loaded 120 rounds at 41.5 h4350 , messes around with the trickler speed and nothing more than 0.02 over or under on about 15 all others 100% - was worth the wait and cost , happy customer
 
#95
We have a shipment coming in from Autotrickler this week for the AUTOTRICKLERS AND AUTOTHROWERS we will have 10 extra in stock, We will be extending the $10.00 off as well as free pre programming deal until the end of this week. for $929.00 delivered (Continental USA)
We have over 100 FX-120i in stock ready to ship. LESS BENCH MORE RANGE, LESS THAN $1000.00
Lowest price on FX-120i online anywhere

https://ce-products.myshopify.com/pr...utothrow-combo

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us Mon-Fri 830-500pm EST @ 1-800-535-3751
 
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#98
orkan said:
My beam scale doesn't suck. It would take a $3000+ digital to even start competing with it.
Click to expand...

I'll tell you what sucks the worst of all, it's the three e scales I spent hundreds on and all of them either became unusable or broke. Not to mention my S&W 7 shot revolvers thin cylinder walls that got expanded from over pressure causing a need for replacement.

Another thing that happened is friends bolt got peened on his AW because his e scale went full retard.
 
#99
Well I certainly like the autothrow, a 39g charge was like five seconds ready unlike the chargemaster that was sometimes 30 seconds and 50% over throws with h4350. Once you learn the buttons it’s cake. Don’t press sample and then print, it turns off the auto throw and you’ll spend forever trying to unfuck yourself. But now that you know that you can rest easy.

It really is a super little set up.

Im gonna rest how accurate my chargemaster is tonight with a few throws.
 
#100
Hey Everyone Just a quick little note https://ce-products.myshopify.com/ we are running a little promotion
USE CODE: SNIPER'S HIDE MEMBER
For an Extra Discount at check out FOR FX-120i FX-300i EJ-123 HR-100A or share it with your Friends and Team Mates
Thank you for the great Community Response and Support
 
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