cwall64 Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Has anyone tried this add-on for the power bar? It seems to be very similar to the UniqueTek Micrometer Powder Bar Kit at almost half the cost... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxerglocker Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 I own 2 of the UniqueTek Micrometer Powder Bar Kits and wouldn't go without them. Two differences I see that would concern me with the Prairie Dogs, the knurled dial is plastic not metal, the end A-Corn cap nut rather than a machine screw in the UniqueTek. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brassaholic13 Posted May 26, 2015 Share Posted May 26, 2015 http://www.bigbikeparts.com/templates/product.aspx?ProductGuid=6-120&GroupGuid=16 Looks neat, but, is it a micrometer or just a more precise twist knob? The Microtek has the feel of a real micrometer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimk60 Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 I am wondering the same myself. It seems to be much easier to read, good contrast between markings and handle. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Prairie-Dog-6-120-Perfect-Powder-Flow-Control-for-Dillon-Powder-Bars-/251921938550 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted May 27, 2015 Author Share Posted May 27, 2015 I ordered one the other day, so we'll see. I have one of the Uniquetek's and I'll try to compare when it come in... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themrmystery Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 I own both, and micrometer isn't really the term I'd use for either. Maybe that's why they prairie dog called it a "flow control." When reloading you really can't trust the numbers on uniqutek or prairie dog's micrometer. Still need to verify every load. What they both do do... is make adjusting your powder easier and lets you get back to prior settings quicker. With that said, prairie dog's works just as well as the more expensive uniquetek, and (although incorrectly stated above), prairie dog's is not plastic, it's "A simple turn of the knurled thimble will move the anodized aluminum sleeve over the numbered stainless steel measuring spindle to the next graduation. " (direct from their website). And I can confirm the black part is aluminum with laser-etched numbers, and the other portion is steel with more laser-etched numbers. The only thing else of note, is you must use RED lock-tight, to permanently attach to charge bar. Make sure you have the numbers on the steel part facing where you want them, ideally, facing you, when installed. Let the lock-tight set for 24-hours, per instructions... and it works great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxerglocker Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 I own both, and micrometer isn't really the term I'd use for either. Maybe that's why they prairie dog called it a "flow control." When reloading you really can't trust the numbers on uniqutek or prairie dog's micrometer. Still need to verify every load. What they both do do... is make adjusting your powder easier and lets you get back to prior settings quicker. With that said, prairie dog's works just as well as the more expensive uniquetek, and (although incorrectly stated above), prairie dog's is not plastic, it's "A simple turn of the knurled thimble will move the anodized aluminum sleeve over the numbered stainless steel measuring spindle to the next graduation. " (direct from their website). And I can confirm the black part is aluminum with laser-etched numbers, and the other portion is steel with more laser-etched numbers. The only thing else of note, is you must use RED lock-tight, to permanently attach to charge bar. Make sure you have the numbers on the steel part facing where you want them, ideally, facing you, when installed. Let the lock-tight set for 24-hours, per instructions... and it works great! I don't know about the Prairie Dog but I own the Uniqueteks and have done a spreadsheet for every powder I own and it's pretty dang consistent, providing you do your final adjustment clockwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brassaholic13 Posted May 27, 2015 Share Posted May 27, 2015 Sorry for my mis-statement of brand name. Thanks for correction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigarm Posted May 28, 2015 Share Posted May 28, 2015 I will be interested in reviews as I would like an easier adjustment. Shipping seems a little expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handloader109 Posted May 29, 2015 Share Posted May 29, 2015 $7.95 high? Not really when you consider shipping costs at $5.95 priority..... Oh, for some reason he has eBay shipping cheaper than thru his main web page. (10.95) And he is paying eBay fees, go figure, buy thru eBay and save $3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigarm Posted May 31, 2015 Share Posted May 31, 2015 I ended up ordering one through ebay and will see how I like it. If I do, I will order another. I am going to have to get some red loc tite though, as I only have blue. Should have thought of that today when I was in town. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigarm Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 I installed the Prairie Dog today. I was only able to screw it in part way, but it looked like the picture they had. I am just not sure how it will work. I put the loc tite on it and left it sit. I will see if it works tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leewongfei Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 I installed the Prairie Dog today. I was only able to screw it in part way, but it looked like the picture they had. I am just not sure how it will work. I put the loc tite on it and left it sit. I will see if it works tomorrow. I wonder if the uniquetek excel form will work with this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G19 Posted June 6, 2015 Share Posted June 6, 2015 I installed the Prairie Dog today. I was only able to screw it in part way, but it looked like the picture they had. I am just not sure how it will work. I put the loc tite on it and left it sit. I will see if it works tomorrow. I wonder if the uniquetek excel form will work with this. I don't see why it wouldn't. Nothing special about the Uniquetek spreadsheet; as long as the Prairie Dog adjustments are repeatable, then you can create a table of settings and charges and plot that and fit a line through the points on the plot, and then use the line's y-intercept and slope to determine setting for a desired charge, which is all the Uniquetek spreadsheet is doing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted June 9, 2015 Author Share Posted June 9, 2015 Well, tried to install mine today and there must be a burr on the threads that goes into the powder gate, so it is a no go until I get that cleaned up. But, the UniqueTek one installed fine!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsb Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 Well, tried to install mine today and there must be a burr on the threads that goes into the powder gate, so it is a no go until I get that cleaned up. But, the UniqueTek one installed fine!!! I'm in the same boat... I even took the tiny little clip off and tried to thread it using the other end, but no dice. I contacted them through their website, I guess I get to find out about their customer service, should prove to be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beastly Posted June 12, 2015 Share Posted June 12, 2015 Don't get red locktite on the shaft where you don't want it or you will likely destroy it. Don't worry about trying to set a '0' position for 100% minimum position. Do make sure the dial is aligned to you can read it easily after you red locktite it in. Don't lose/break the tiny weak E-clips. Don't be like me (that guy). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted June 12, 2015 Author Share Posted June 12, 2015 Well, tried to install mine today and there must be a burr on the threads that goes into the powder gate, so it is a no go until I get that cleaned up. But, the UniqueTek one installed fine!!!I'm in the same boat... I even took the tiny little clip off and tried to thread it using the other end, but no dice. I contacted them through their website, I guess I get to find out about their customer service, should prove to be interesting. They got back to me with an RMA number. I almost tried the same thing, but I figured I would lose the C-clip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themrmystery Posted June 15, 2015 Share Posted June 15, 2015 They got back to me with an RMA number. I almost tried the same thing, but I figured I would lose the C-clip! Yea, I talked to them a bit, appears they had a bad batch have a plating issue on the threaded part, they seem really good about RMA' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted June 15, 2015 Author Share Posted June 15, 2015 (edited) Only issue is that I had to pay to ship back, whereas Dillon, RCBS, etc would send me a new product with a return shipping label in it - certainly when they realized that they had a manufacturing issue... I think I am sold on the UniqueTek one now, went in flawlessly and works great! Edited June 15, 2015 by cwall64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted June 25, 2015 Author Share Posted June 25, 2015 I would warn anyone from ordering one of these got my RMA back with a new unit and same issue with the threads not fitting into the sliding bar. Go with the UniqueTek if you want this kind of tool, it is worth the extra money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hceuterpe Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 What has the verdict been on this product for those of you who have used it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwall64 Posted September 13, 2015 Author Share Posted September 13, 2015 (edited) They replaced my first one that would not thread into the powder bar, the one they sent had the same issue. I told them the replacement had the same issue, so they said they would send another one when a new run came in. I received it a month or so later and never installed it... The UniqeTek one just works, so I had already ordered a second one of theirs! To be honest, it might be cheaper to just get several different powder bars and leave them adjusted for specific powder and caliber! Edited September 13, 2015 by cwall64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hceuterpe Posted September 13, 2015 Share Posted September 13, 2015 That's not a good sign cwall64, anyone else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walnut Posted September 14, 2015 Share Posted September 14, 2015 I just bought one today, I'll give some feedback once I get it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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