AutoTrickler + AutoThrow System for Precise Powder Dispensing
The AutoTrickler/AutoThrow system dispenses powder with 1-2 kernel accuracy in just 10-12 seconds.
Review by Craig Arnzen of Area419.com
Guys in the PRS world are finally ready to admit — the more accurate we want to be, the more we should borrow practices from the F-Class and Benchrest worlds. There are no better examples of this that have popped up in the last year than the widespread adoption of highly accurate powder dispensers and high-end annealing techniques.
I’ll talk about the annealers another time, but today I want to introduce you to the powder dispenser contraption that is popping up on reloading benches everywhere — the AutoTrickler plus AutoThrow running with an A&D FX-120i magnetic force restoration scale.
The setup is priced firmly between the standard RCBS Chargemaster and the high-end $3,800 Prometheus powder dispensers. Depending on how you outfit it, and where you buy it, an AutoTrickler/AutoThrow setup will cost between $900 and $1,200. Figure $500-$525 for the A&D scale, $399.00 for AutoTrickler + AutoThrow (for A&D), and up to another $300 for Area 419 accessories.
The AutoTrickler V2 by itself is $229-$269 (depending on scale model), while the AutoThrow is $199.00 purchased separately. Current AutoTrickler owners can add the AutoThrow as an upgrade. It’s worth it — the AutoThrow speeds up the dispensing process dramatically. Watch this video with the smart guy who invented the AutoTrickler and AuthoThrow systems, Adam McDonald:
AutoTrickler Inventor Adam McDonald Demonstrates the AutoThrow System:
How the AutoTrickler + AutoThrow System Works
The “brain” of this system is a micro-processor that controls the motors on the AutoThrow powder dispenser and the AutoTrickler, taking more than 100 readings per second from the scale. The process starts with the AutoThrow first dropping 90% of the charge directly into the pan via a vertical drop tube. Then the AutoTrickler finishes dispensing the charge with super precision, using its horizontal tube. This two-stage process allows the system to throw powder within a kernel or two of your target weight every time — in just 10-12 seconds.
Powder is dispensed onto an A&D FX-120i scale (other models, including a Sartorius Entris 64-1S can also be used) that is able to detect and register the weight of individual kernels very quickly, providing data back to the “brain”. The initial powder drop from the AutoThrow gets you within about 2 grains and then the AutoTrickler finishes in just a few seconds with amazing accuracy. When set up right, this system can weigh repeatably to within one or two kernels of powder.
Area 419 Accessories for AutoTrickler and AutoThrow
The system can also be outfitted with milled aluminum accessories from Area 419, adding adjustability, stability, and ergonomics to the process. We sell a base for the AutoTrickler that adds weight (to reduce movement when the stepper motor runs) and has adjustable feet to help tune the powder flow, a larger cup with handle (to reduce powder splashing when dumped from above) and upgrades for the auto-throw that enhance powder capacity and reduce noise and vibration.
All in all, this is one of the most popular new ways to throw powder of the last year, and these systems are becoming common enough that we think they are here to stay. This video review by the 6.5 Guys offers some tips for setting up your AutoTrickler System with Area 419 base.
AutoTricker with Billet Base and AutoThrow Review by 6.5 Guys:
Product Purchase Links
AutoTrickler and AutoThrow: http://www.autotrickler.com/autotrickler.html
Area 419 Accessories: http://www.area419.com/product-category/reloading/at-accessories/
Balance + AutoTrickler + AutoThrow Combo: https://ce-products.myshopify.com/products/
This TECH TIP brought to you by Area 419
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Tags: 6.5 Guys, A&D Balance, Adam McDonald, Area 419, Auto Trickler, AutoThrow, AutoTrickler, Force Restoration Scale, Magnetic Force, Prometheus, PRS, Sartorius Scale
These products are amazing, particularly for the long range shooters. I have even seen a couple at short range group matches. Told a friend about the tricker and then the measure when they came out, and he is very happy with the combination.
Seems like an improvement over the RCBS Chargemaster in the sense that the scale runs to two decimal places, but that’s about it.
Probably just fine for 300 yard work, but not great for anything further.
I sincerely doubt that it actually throws charges equal to the accuracy of the scale because stick powders tend to bunch up and fall in groups, then you need to fix it manually anyway.
If you’re a long range shooter, be careful about getting hot for this new shiny and consider getting a better more accurate and stable balance like a Vibra milligram scale in combination with an old school powder thrower to get close. Then just adjust manually for the last few kernels. Your final loads will be within less than one kernel of Varget.
One of the points to keep an eye on is voltage fluctuations and other things like phone signals affecting the accuracy of the scale. Most are just not as accurate in reality as claimed, so if you want two decimal place accuracy, then you need a 3 decimal place scale.
Yep, Adam’s creativity has helped many shooters achieve substantial time savings in their reloading operations while at the same time opening opportunities for others to provide accessories that further enhance their experience. I’m certainly a fan! Cutting my per-case charge time down to ~ 15 seconds for Palma loads has eased my back strain a bunch!