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Posted: 5/31/2023 10:46:46 AM EDT
Sometimes it's the little things that can make our lives easier and we think to ourselves... "why didn't I buy this a long time ago??"

My no-name brand media separator fell of a shelf in my garage the other week and wound up breaking the basket. It was beyond repair so I had to buy a new one. This one was an "upgrade" over the terrible FA one I bought when I first got into reloading. But the one that broke wasn't without flaws and annoyances, so I started looking around at different brands.

I wound up getting the Dillon CM500 media separator. I'm not a Dillon homer (I don't own a Dillon press), but jeez. This thing basically eliminated all the frustrations I had with my other media separators in the past. It's funny how something so simple can be made so much better. I should have bought this thing a long time ago.




What little thing have you guys added to your reloading room that was simple, but you felt like kicking yourself for not getting it sooner?

-ZA
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 11:02:47 AM EDT
[#1]
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 11:15:15 AM EDT
[#2]
I have no idea, but I can check when I get home!

-ZA
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 11:17:30 AM EDT
[#3]
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 11:37:01 AM EDT
[#4]
Just tried some 22LR and some .223 bullets.  Neither fall through the slots on my Dillon separator which I bougth in 2018.

I doubt they changed the dimensions since then.  Can't hurt to check with others' experiences.

ETA:  Great piece of equipment.  Really handy for steel media separation when filled with water.
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 12:17:19 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 12:42:06 PM EDT
[#6]
Like you, I finally got a media separator after almost 20 yrs of sifting through an old colander into a bucket. However, even though the Dillon is better quality, I decided on a Graf Rotary Media Separator Model GR17 at $28.

The reason I went with the Graf over the Dillon wasn't the price. You see, cranking the walnut media creates a lot of fine dust, both from the walnut and the dirt on the brass.  Even with dryer sheets, if you don't contain it it will get all over.

I tried out a friend's Dillon and it spread dust all over his bench because it doesn't have a top. So, when you spin the brass the dust flies.  I tried to go as slow as possible but it still got dust all over his bench so I decided that I needed one with a top.

A friend had a Graf's Media Separator that seems to be a copy of the RCBS Model 87076 at $40 and when I tried his, the top kept the dust inside. The only caution is that you have to be careful rotating the top to take it on and off as the 1/2 hinges like to bind if you don't support it at the rear.
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 12:56:12 PM EDT
[#7]
I use the Dillon tumbler outside so I don't worry about dust.  I dump my brass on an old towel and give it a rub down and I do this whether wet or dry tumbling.

Link Posted: 5/31/2023 2:14:14 PM EDT
[#8]
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 2:37:41 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Like you, I finally got a media separator after almost 20 yrs of sifting through an old colander into a bucket. However, even though the Dillon is better quality, I decided on a Graf Rotary Media Separator Model GR17 at $28.

The reason I went with the Graf over the Dillon wasn't the price. You see, cranking the walnut media creates a lot of fine dust, both from the walnut and the dirt on the brass.  Even with dryer sheets, if you don't contain it it will get all over.

I tried out a friend's Dillon and it spread dust all over his bench because it doesn't have a top. So, when you spin the brass the dust flies.  I tried to go as slow as possible but it still got dust all over his bench so I decided that I needed one with a top.

A friend had a Graf's Media Separator that seems to be a copy of the RCBS Model 87076 at $40 and when I tried his, the top kept the dust inside. The only caution is that you have to be careful rotating the top to take it on and off as the 1/2 hinges like to bind if you don't support it at the rear.
View Quote


I have that same separator the rcbs one that i bought for the same reasons you talk about.  But the hinges ets are crap to put it politely.  

I also have a dillon separator from back in the early 90's when first got into reloading and bought my 550.  The dillon is still going strong.... 30~yrs later

I'm going to cut up a storage bin one day to make a lid for the dillon.


https://www.doublealpha.biz/us/primafill

This is one of my small things that i really like.... even when it's fiddly it beats filling primer tubes by hand.

My other small thing is a cheap digital scale for doing fast powder adjustments then verify on the beam scales.
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 2:48:36 PM EDT
[#10]
I've got one of the PAL primer fillers. It's incredibly well made, but not worth what I paid for it.
I wish I had known of the Double Alpha unit, it's less than 1/2 the price of the PAL.

I can't STAND filling primer tubes by hand, so the PAL is appreciated every time I use it though!

Link Posted: 5/31/2023 3:11:34 PM EDT
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


<snip>

My other small thing is a cheap digital scale for doing fast powder adjustments then verify on the beam scales.
View Quote
If you have some check weights, you don't need the beam scale.  If it returns to tare weight zero every time, it is unlikely to be off.
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 3:21:10 PM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
If you have some check weights, you don't need the beam scale.  If it returns to tare weight zero every time, it is unlikely to be off.
View Quote

I do and it has worked perfect every time.......... but it's also a 18$ amazon scale lol ..... i'm just chicken of blowing my face off.. i have two ohaus beam scales

It's lightning fast compared to weighting on a beam scale to settle when your changing/adjusting powder charges.
Link Posted: 5/31/2023 3:37:04 PM EDT
[#13]
I’ve had this for many many years


it works well

frankford arsenal vibra prime
Link Posted: 6/1/2023 9:47:33 AM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
That would be great.

I like that the 2 half's stay together, I'm in if it holds 22 cal bullets.
View Quote


Hey @dryflash3 ....

Just checked this morning and the Dillon separator will NOT pass a .224" caliber bullet. There is significant interference.

-ZA
Link Posted: 6/1/2023 9:56:55 AM EDT
[#15]
I'm not dissing the Dillon separator, in fact, I'd love to be able to use it cause it's much better made. But as my handloading area is in a finished basement, I just can't tolerate the dust going all over so I'm tied to one with a top.

My Dillon D-terminator has been solid for 20 yrs.  I use the check weight before I start each time to check the calibration and the farthest it's ever been off was .01 grn after sitting for a few months unused so I'm happy with that.

(BTW, when you use a check weight to check your scale, be sure and pick it up with tweezers, not your hand, as you can transfer dirt or oil to it and increase it's weight over time.)

This may sound weird but part of my 'getting in the relaxing zone' part of handloading is when I fill those 6 primer pickup tubes.  It's mindless and helps me calm my mind from outside thoughts so I can really enjoy handloading.

Link Posted: 6/1/2023 11:48:30 AM EDT
[#16]
Link Posted: 6/1/2023 12:05:01 PM EDT
[#17]
I really need a media separator. I’m tired of fishing brass out the media by hand.
I’ll look into the Dillon. Thanks OP
I also keep a cheap digital scale on hand just to verify all rounds have a charge in them.
One evening I was reloading and my wife walked in a distracted me for all but maybe 5 seconds.
In that time I lost my rhythm and seated a bullet into an empty case. And it didn’t click in my head until maybe 5 rounds later. Started putting them one by one on the scale and sure enough, one was 24gr lighter than the rest. Most I load is 100 at a time so it’s not all that time consuming to check them when I’m done. I typically weight them 2 at a time.
Link Posted: 6/1/2023 4:25:45 PM EDT
[#18]
Grabbed a few overhead led fixtures from costco when they were closing them out. Light, lots of light is wonderful in a reloading room. I wish I could use the proximity switch on them, but they detect easily through walls so even movement in an adjacent room will switch them on.

I've forgotten to turn on the lights when reloading a few times and I was amazed how much darker it is without them.
Link Posted: 6/1/2023 10:08:03 PM EDT
[#19]
I'm a poor so I use a $1 kitchen spatula/ladle thing, can empty all the brass out of my tumbler in just a few minutes with it

Second the lighting.  Been looking for the right magnifying glass w/ built in lighting on a goose neck desk mount to set up....

I rescued a kids shoe storage cubby thing from a childcare place that was replacing it, someone made by hand with wood and nails, perfect size cubbies for a pair of kids shoes, which means perfect for storing die boxes, bullet boxes, etc in.  Sits on top of my desk/reloading table (2x8 1" marine grade plywood on top of a couple of filing cabinets) and lets me store everything close to hand but out of the way/put away.

Link Posted: 6/2/2023 3:00:34 AM EDT
[#20]
Micrometer dies and powder measures have made life so much easier. No more guess and check when making a new load and fast resetting when making another batch of a known load.

A few more items off the top of my head,

Lanolin lube for fast lubing and easy sizing.

A modified food dryer for quick brass drying after wet tumbling or washing lube off.

Wet tumbling in big bulk batches. I can deprime, wash and dry 2000 223 cases in less time than one batch of brass can be cleaned in a dry media tumbler.

Buying 1x rifle brass in bulk to eliminate tracking small batches of brass firings and having a few unfired rounds of a batch that are not enough for a match.

Buying non-crimped 1x brass. Enough to say there.

As far as media separators, I did not dry tumble or separate brass from media in my reload room. It was done outside where dust contamination does not matter. I ran my tumbler outside with the lid off to allow dust to dissipate and not build up in the media.
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 3:59:17 AM EDT
[#21]
Use Akro bins to store dies and accessories. I bought large Forster die boxes for the micrometer dies, but they still weren't large enough to hold all the dies and accessories for each caliber. The bins have a clear plastic lid to see what's inside and keep dust out. Very convenient to grab the caliber needed with all the accessories in one box.  

Attachment Attached File


Adding a webcam to the beam scale helped immensely. I use the scale on the bench for better ergonomics and have a magnified image at eye level.  Paid less than $10 for the webcam. Use a laptop stand so no bench space is needed.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 8:39:23 AM EDT
[#22]
Adding the Hornady LnL Bushings to my RCBS Rock Chucker made changing stages or calibers so quick and easy, no need to adjust and calibrate the dies each time i changed steps. Previously I had a Lee Turret Press and the Rock Chucker, but the quick change bushings made changing stages on the single stage so much faster that I sold the Turret Press.
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 9:47:35 AM EDT
[#23]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Use Akro bins to store dies and accessories. I bought large Forster die boxes for the micrometer dies, but they still weren't large enough to hold all the dies and accessories for each caliber. The bins have a clear plastic lid to see what's inside and keep dust out. Very convenient to grab the caliber needed with all the accessories in one box.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/375214/Akro_bins_JPG-2837386.JPG

Adding a webcam to the beam scale helped immensely. I use the scale on the bench for better ergonomics and have a magnified image at eye level.  Paid less than $10 for the webcam. Use a laptop stand so no bench space is needed.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/375214/Balance_beam_jpg-2837389.JPG
View Quote
Absolutely use the Akro bins!  I've had a stack of 40 (8 high by 5 wide) for 20 years to the right of my press and I store all sorts of things in them. Small parts to caliber conversion kits, bullets, and small equipment I use are just an arms length away.

I print up Avery Ink Jet labels of what's inside and stick them to cut up pieces of business cards to keep everything organized.
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 10:21:31 AM EDT
[#24]
Digital calipers once your eyes get tired (old)
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 12:06:17 PM EDT
[#25]
Funny, I actually want my separator to pass .22 casings...I get a lot stuck in my range brass and it's annoying as all get out to pick .22s out of my (mostly) 9mm brass.
Link Posted: 6/2/2023 1:55:50 PM EDT
[#26]
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 8:36:32 AM EDT
[#27]
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 9:36:55 AM EDT
[#28]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
The one thing that comes to mind, was my Brass Case Tumbler.

I had a Midway brand, for about 15yrs.. it finally gave up the Ghost.

Being the smart cookie I thought I was... I bought a "Better" tumbler.... it sucked.  Cleaning the brass took twice as long.

And I use NuFinish added to the walnut... so even that was a chore to get distributed through the media.

Turned out the better "tub" wasn't as a vigorous movement, of the brass and media.

I swapped on the older Midway Tub, and could instantly see better movement. So the tub contour's / ribs made all the difference.

So not a big deal... but geez. Lol
View Quote



I’ve had several tumblers.   Some came in package deals.

The best, by far, for quick cleaning is the big Dillon.
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 5:58:10 PM EDT
[#29]
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 6:49:31 PM EDT
[#30]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Question for the guys with the dillon vibratory tumbler.

I currently have a lyman. Decent tumbler that has served me well for years.  I really like the drain plug on the bottom.

It just seems small and I would like a larger bowl.

Does the dillon have this drain feature? I couldn't see it in the picture.
View Quote

No, the Dillon tumblers don't have a drain.

I've never had an issue just pouring it out though.

Pour it into a separator and then separate.
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 6:57:44 PM EDT
[#31]
Extremely accurate scales

couldn't imagine the headaches if I doubted my scales accuracy
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 7:10:54 PM EDT
[#32]
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 9:13:01 PM EDT
[#33]
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix








Link Posted: 6/4/2023 10:53:33 PM EDT
[#34]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg
View Quote


You win!! Better stocked than any LGS around here...  
Link Posted: 6/4/2023 11:06:32 PM EDT
[#35]
I thought I had lots of shit but you a little more
Link Posted: 6/5/2023 10:36:23 AM EDT
[#36]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote


That's awesome!

I'll add that not only having, but being able to locate what you need is a big plus too.

Your organization is better than most!
Link Posted: 6/5/2023 2:16:55 PM EDT
[#37]
I thought I had a powder and bullet hoarding problem until I saw this....
Attachment Attached File


Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote

Link Posted: 6/5/2023 3:31:07 PM EDT
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote
You bring up a good point, my stash is several orders of magnitude smaller than yours, but we seem to have similar issues

It's not a physical thing (unless you're a troglodyte using an old ledger book), but an accurate  inventory of all consumables is nice to have.

Nothing more frustrating that sitting down to load and not having the required components.


Link Posted: 6/5/2023 3:43:27 PM EDT
[#39]
Link Posted: 6/5/2023 7:36:29 PM EDT
[#40]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Ya, just depends on what your separating goals are.

Me I'm tumbling 22 cal bullets and want to separate media from the tumbled bullets.

For range brass I use the separator bin/baskets that fit on a 5 gallon bucket.
View Quote


I've never tried tumbling bullets.  I wonder what that will do to the American Reloading blem bullets I get that are dull.  Now you've got me thinking....
Link Posted: 6/5/2023 7:39:11 PM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote


Holy crap!  I thought I hit paydirt when my dad started letting me raid his shop (which is incredibly well stocked with tools and supplies) but you take the gold medal!  Don't show a full picture of the primer shelf or you're going to have more new friends than the guy that put a bourbon bar in his swimming pool.
Link Posted: 6/5/2023 11:05:17 PM EDT
[#42]
Link Posted: 6/6/2023 12:45:19 AM EDT
[#43]
Link Posted: 6/6/2023 8:37:21 AM EDT
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I've never tried tumbling bullets.  I wonder what that will do to the American Reloading blem bullets I get that are dull.  Now you've got me thinking....
View Quote


I'm also with Dryflash - I tumble dull/blemished bullets to get them clean. The bling is nice, too.

I've successfully done this with American Reloading projos and I end up with excellent range/training bullets for unbeatable prices.

Link Posted: 6/6/2023 9:29:44 AM EDT
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote



That's Impressive!
Link Posted: 6/6/2023 1:33:32 PM EDT
[#46]
I'll add another tool that makes life so much easier, is a Giraud Tri-way trimmer. If you shoot a 223 or 308, those things are the cat's meow!

-ZA
Link Posted: 6/7/2023 11:22:39 AM EDT
[#47]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote


wow, I never even knew there was a 9mm Winchester magnum
Link Posted: 6/7/2023 11:23:07 PM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Use Akro bins to store dies and accessories. I bought large Forster die boxes for the micrometer dies, but they still weren't large enough to hold all the dies and accessories for each caliber. The bins have a clear plastic lid to see what's inside and keep dust out. Very convenient to grab the caliber needed with all the accessories in one box.  

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/375214/Akro_bins_JPG-2837386.JPG

Adding a webcam to the beam scale helped immensely. I use the scale on the bench for better ergonomics and have a magnified image at eye level.  Paid less than $10 for the webcam. Use a laptop stand so no bench space is needed.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/375214/Balance_beam_jpg-2837389.JPG
View Quote



On your akro bins, did you affix french cleats to the wall to hang them from?
Link Posted: 6/8/2023 9:20:08 PM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
What makes the biggest difference in your reloading room is actually having the primer/powder/bullet/brass that you actually need at the time.
Even with all this shit, I never seem to have what I need.

Tony Rumore
Tromix

https://i.imgur.com/1Rl1RVq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/cARMctn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/YWrMSon.jpg


View Quote


Woof!

That's like retirement savings. You could turn that into a store.
Link Posted: 6/9/2023 12:37:43 AM EDT
[#50]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

On your akro bins, did you affix french cleats to the wall to hang them from?
View Quote

I stacked a 1" wide aluminum flat on top of a 1/2" wide x 1/8" thick steel flat. The french cleat I found didn't stand off from the wall enough for the akro bin to fit. Those were the Z channel used to hang pictures.

I used steel on steel flats for the front of the bench (painted black) so it would be more robust since it's exposed to me banging into it with stuff.
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