Drop tube vs vibration

[semtav]

Does any one use the vibration method instead of drop tube with any success? I seem to remember Steve Rhoades ( I believe) claiming there was no difference.

[ccongos@me.com]

I've never used the drop method, so I can't compare. But I use vibration, and I'm able to get the settling I need for proper OAL.

[semtav]

Thanks.

What got me to thinking about it, I was loading a bunch of cases to fireform so I was cutting all the tedious corners I could.

Going straight from the rcbs powder measure to the case, my powder level was right to the top. A quick series of raps on the table with my finger over the end and it settled as far down (or more) than the drop tubing normally does.

[desert deuce]

I closed my eyes and began to visualize SEMTAV with a vibrator, suddenly my eyes flashed open and I abandoned the thought immediately!

After regaining my composure, I recommend a 30" drop tube with a mechanical slow trickling mechanism if you want powder column consistency.

[Clarence]

I drop my powder into a .17 caliber funnel mounted atop my 24" drop tube. That produces a more consistent slow drop than I could do with a larger funnel. Very consistent stacking height. !.5 Swiss will occasionally bridge slightly-a flick of the finger on the funnel gets the powder dropping again, and I see no difference in the stacking height. 2F Swiss seldom bridges.

Clarence

[semtav]

I closed my eyes and began to visualize SEMTAV with a vibrator,

2 cups of coffee works just as good for me.

[desert deuce]

Decaf?

[semtav]

Cooking up a pot right now to see if it makes a difference.

I'm naturally shaky anyways.

[steveu834]

I use a paper shaker to vibrate the powder down before compressing and it works well for me. I have started to drop tube charges for my pp loads in the 40-65. 70 grains of Swiss 1.5 fills the case. If I vibrate them I can just have enough space to seat a .060 ldpe wad on top.

Cheers,
Steve

[desert deuce]

A paper shaker? Never heard of a paper shaker?