A simple method is proposed for the comparison of the mechanical dose rates of different mills, based on measuring the ignition time of a mechanically-induced self-propagating reaction (MSR). Specifically, a SPEX 8000 Mixer Mill with round-ended and flat-ended milling vials and a Fritsch Pulverisette-6 planetary mill are compared, using the ignition of MSR between Zn and S powders as the test reaction. The method facilitates the comparison of reaction kinetics data obtained by using different milling equipment. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.