FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ultimate Sorter was designed with input and testing by over a dozen reloaders. The following are questions raised during the design and testing process.

If your questions are not answered below, please contact us.

 

Q. How do I use the sorter?
A. Operation is pretty simple. Empty cases are loaded into the hopper at the top end of the sorter and the motor is started. Smaller cases, such as 22 rimfire, and dust and debris will mostly fall through holes in the hopper into the trash bag under the hopper. Larger cases will enter holes in the base of the hopper and move down the sorting tray which is angled down over the sorting bins. Precision cut slots will allow only the specified size cases to drop into the appropriate collection bin. The hopper should be kept full to keep a continuous flow of cases.


Q. How fast is the sorting?
A. As each batch of mixed cases is different, so are the times to sort. After many tests using different batches of cases we found the average time to sort a 5 gallon pail to be 15 to 20 minutes for the Model 1. The Model 2 is 35% faster, sorting a 5 gallon pail in about 10 minutes.


Q. What is the size of the machine?
A. The Model 2 is approximately 24" long by 8" deep (without trays) and 16" high. This relatively small size makes storage easy and allows us to keep the price low.

Q. How accurate is the sorting?
A. First pass sorting can be as high as 99%. The sorter has a variable speed control for the electric vibration. Slower speeds will result in more accurate sorting. Higher speeds will reduce the accuracy to 90% to 95%. Our testing has found that the most accurate sorting is done using a 2 step sort. The unsorted cases are first processed using a relatively fast speed. The machine is then slowed slightly and the bins are emptied. The cases collected in Bin-3 (45s and larger) are then given a second pass. The few smaller cases that remained will then sort into the correct bins and the resulting bin of 45s will contain very few smaller size cases, typically less than 1/2 of 1 percent. The process is then repeated for Bin-2 (40/38/357) and finally for Bin-1 (9MM).

Q. What will I end up with in the bins?
A. The Ultimate Sorter Model 2 performs sorting based primarily upon case diameter. The bag below the hopper will contain 22 rimfire, dust, dirt and debris. Bin-1 will contain 9MM and other similar size cases including 380ACP, 9x18 and 5.56/.223 Remington. Bin-2 will contain 40 S&W, 38 Cal & 357 Magnum. It will also contain 7.65/308 Winchester, 10MM and 357SIG. Finally, Bin-3 will contain all larger cases including 45ACP, 50AE, 500 S&W, 44 Magnum and 45 Long Colt. The mixtures within each bin are then relatively easy to manually sort. The combination of cases in those bins are usually easy to differentiate. Additional trays are available for further sorting (see next question).


Q. Can the sorter separate .380 cases from 9MM? Can the sorter separate the 40 Cal from the 38 Cal/357 Magnums?
A. The compact size of the Ultimate Sorter limits the number of sorting slots so the standard tray will combine similar sizes into one bin. However, the tray is designed to be easily changed and we will be producing several optional trays for further sorting. Our optional 380/9MM tray will separate 380s & .223s from 9MM cases. The 38/40 tray will separate 40s from the 38/357s.

Q. Are there any other sorting issues?
A. A common issue with the typical mixture of pistol cases is nesting. The small differences from one caliber to the next can create a tight nesting of some cases. 9MM cases fit almost perfectly in 40SW. 40SW are an almost perfect fit in a 45ACP case. 22 rimfire are small and light and fit into almost everything. The vibration action of the sorter will dislodge many of these, but not all.


Q. Can I then use the sorted cases from the machine directly in my press?
A. NO!!! The sorter is a tool to greatly speed up the sorting process, but a final visual inspection should always be performed before reloading any case. There are numerous cases that are almost identical but are dangerous if used interchangeably. Proper reloading techniques should always be followed including quality control of all components used including cases.


Q. What is the duty cycle?
A. The Ultimate Sorter Model 2 is built with a continuous duty rated motor and can be used for any commercial/high volume users.


Q. Do I need a super strong table?
A. No. The vibration of the base is really pretty mild. The demos in the video have the sorter on a inexpensive folding card table.


Q. Is there any maintenance required?
A. Other than keeping the machine clean there should be no maintenance required. There is an inexpensive "wear" part on the 380/9MM tray that may need replacement after 500,000 to one million rounds of those calibers.


Q. How large are the collection bins? Can I use larger collection bins?
A. The bins are 6-7 quart standard plastic bins available from many home centers and mart stores. We will be adding an option to allow use of almost any size pail or bin.


Q. Will all cases pass through the sorter?
A. We know that all common cases sort well. All testing was performed with mixtures of brass from indoor ranges consisting primarily of pistol cases and smaller rifle cases such as 223/5.56. All cases were sorted without issues. The testing also included some 308, 30-06 and other 7.62 cases. These also feed though the sorter without any jams. Update: 41 Magnum cases will accumulate in the sorting lanes and need to be removed manually.

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