Published: May 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure with Stand is a micrometer-adjustable rotating drum measure bundled with a dedicated mounting stand, positioned as a complete ready-to-use bench charging station. The stand holds the measure at a fixed working height over the bench, eliminating the need to thread the measure into a press die station or purchase a stand separately. At a street price around $55-75 for the complete kit, it occupies the lower end of the mid-tier powder measure category – above Lee’s fixed-insert drum system, below the Redding and Forster micrometer measures that represent the top of the non-competition class.
Frankford Arsenal’s broader product line targets the practical mid-market handloader: functional equipment at accessible prices, distributed through major sporting goods retailers at consistent availability. The Bench Top Measure reflects that positioning. It is not a precision benchrest instrument, and it is not marketed as one. It is a versatile, micrometer-adjustable measure that handles the full range of common pistol and rifle powders from a stable bench-top position, suitable for the handloader who loads on a single-stage press and wants to charge cases at the bench rather than in a press die station.
The Bench Top Measure with Stand is best suited to the handloader who loads multiple calibers with varying charge weights, wants stepless micrometer adjustment rather than a fixed-insert system, and uses a bench-top workflow where the measure sits adjacent to the press rather than mounted in a die station. It is not designed for progressive press integration – for that workflow, Frankford Arsenal offers the case-activated progressive measure reviewed separately.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Frankford Arsenal |
| Model | Bench Top Powder Measure with Stand |
| SKU | Not available at time of publication |
| UPC | Not available at time of publication |
| Metering System | Micrometer-adjustable rotating drum |
| Charge Range | Approximately 1 to 100 grains (powder-dependent) |
| Adjustment | Micrometer ring with graduated scale |
| Construction | Polymer body; aluminum or polymer drum |
| Baffle | Internal baffle included |
| Stand | Dedicated mounting stand included; fixed working height |
| Press Mount Option | Standard 7/8-14 threading – can also mount to press die station |
| Material | Polymer body with metal internal components |
| User Rating | Not available at time of publication |
| MSRP | Approximately $64.99 |
| Approx. Street Price | $55-$75 depending on retailer |
The Bench Top Concept – Stand Integration and What It Changes
The powder measure stand is the feature that distinguishes the Bench Top kit from a standalone measure body. A measure mounted on a dedicated stand lives at a permanent position on the bench – it does not need to be threaded into a press die station, does not share station space with sizing or seating dies, and does not need to be removed when the press is used for other operations. The handloader throws a charge at the bench, transfers it to the case, and loads the case at the press without the measure being part of the press setup at all.
This bench-top workflow suits the single-stage press user particularly well. On a single-stage press, charging cases at the press station requires either a powder measure mounted in the die station (which occupies one of a limited number of stations and requires removing the measure for other operations) or a dedicated bench-top stand like the one in this kit. Many single-stage press users prefer the bench-top approach: size a batch of cases at the press, then move to the bench to charge all cases from the stand-mounted measure, then return to the press for bullet seating. The bench-top measure stays in position throughout this cycle without interfering with press operations.
The stand height matters. The Frankford Arsenal stand positions the drop tube at a height that allows the operator to place a case or a powder pan under the drop tube without holding the stand. The working height is fixed – it cannot be adjusted for different scale pan heights or operator preferences. Before purchasing, confirm that the stand height is compatible with the scale pan or funnel setup you intend to use. A stand that positions the drop tube too high above the pan causes powder to scatter; too low and the tube contacts the pan.
The stand’s base stability is the other practical consideration. A stand that shifts under vigorous lever pulls defeats the purpose of having a fixed bench position. The Frankford Arsenal stand uses a weighted base or suction-cup feet depending on the production run; confirm which version is current and whether it is adequate for your bench surface before purchase. A non-slip mat under a lightweight base resolves most stability issues.
Build Quality and Design
The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure is a polymer-bodied product with a micrometer-adjustable drum. The construction quality is consistent with Frankford Arsenal’s mid-tier product line: functional for the intended application, not built to the tolerances or materials of Redding or Forster measures at a higher price point.
The micrometer ring provides stepless charge adjustment – the key functional upgrade over Lee’s fixed-insert system. Turn the ring clockwise to increase charge weight, counterclockwise to decrease. The graduated scale allows recording settings for repeatable charge weight return. The Frankford Arsenal micrometer’s thread quality is adequate for setting and holding a charge weight, with backlash present but manageable. As noted with other measures at this price tier: always approach a recorded setting from the same direction of rotation to minimize backlash error when returning to a previous charge weight.
The drum is the critical metering component. Its fit within the housing determines charge-to-charge consistency. At the Frankford Arsenal price tier, the drum-to-housing tolerance is looser than in Redding or Forster measures, which contributes to higher charge variation with extruded stick powders where kernel shear consistency is sensitive to drum fit. Ball and flake powders are less affected by this tolerance difference – small variations in drum position have minimal effect on how completely a ball powder fills the cavity.
The baffle is correctly positioned in the hopper. The hopper is clear or translucent for powder level monitoring. The drop tube diameter is standard and compatible with most powder funnels and funnel systems including the Frankford Arsenal Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit.
The throw arm is a simple lever without an ergonomic handle. For sessions of 50-100 rounds, this is not a concern. At 200+ rounds, some operators prefer a wrapped handle for comfort.
Setup and Operation
The stand accepts the measure body through a mounting collar or clamp that locks the measure at the fixed working height. Some production runs of the Frankford Arsenal stand use a threaded collar similar to a die station; others use a clamping mechanism. Consult the included instructions for the specific mounting procedure. Once mounted, the measure is fixed until deliberately removed – it does not shift with normal use.
Setting a charge weight follows the standard micrometer measure procedure: consult a reloading manual for the target powder and bullet combination, set the micrometer ring to the approximate position from the measure’s charge table, throw ten test charges onto a scale pan, weigh each, and adjust until the average thrown charge is within 0.2 grains of the target. Record the final micrometer position. Always approach the recorded setting from the same direction of rotation.
Ball powders – Winchester 231, Hodgdon Titegroup, Hodgdon HP-38, Alliant Bullseye, Hodgdon CFE Pistol, Alliant Power Pistol – meter consistently with ±0.2-0.3 grain variation under good technique. Short flake powders – Alliant Unique, Hodgdon Universal – are workable with slightly higher variation. Medium extruded rifle powders – Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, Hodgdon H4895 – produce ±0.3-0.5 grain variation at best with the Frankford Arsenal drum tolerance. This is adequate for hunting loads and casual rifle production. Precision rifle competition work requires scale verification on every charge or an upgrade to a tighter-tolerance measure.
Slow magnum extruded powders – Hodgdon H4350, Hodgdon H1000, Alliant Reloder 26 – are workable but benefit from individual charge verification. Use the measure to throw a near-weight charge and trickle to exact weight with a Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler for precision applications.
The natural pairing within the Frankford Arsenal ecosystem is: this measure throwing a slightly light charge, the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler bringing it to exact weight over a Frankford Arsenal Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit seated on the case mouth. All three products are matched in the Frankford Arsenal case prep ecosystem.
Where It Fits – Use Cases
Single-stage press bench-top workflow is the primary application. A handloader who sizes cases at the press, moves to the bench to charge all cases from the stand-mounted measure, then returns to the press for bullet seating benefits directly from the stand’s fixed position and the measure’s quick charge-weight adjustment between calibers. The stand eliminates the measure-mounting step between each operation.
Multi-caliber loading sessions where charge weight changes between calibers are handled by micrometer ring adjustment rather than insert swaps. A handloader who loads 308 Winchester at 41.5 grains and 223 Remington at 24.5 grains in the same session adjusts the ring between calibers without touching the measure’s physical position. Recording both micrometer settings allows fast switching without re-verifying from scratch each time.
Pistol and hunting rifle production loading where ±0.3-0.5 grain variation is within the acceptable range for the application. High-volume 9mm Luger, 45 ACP, and 38 Special loading with ball powder, and hunting rifle loads for 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 243 Winchester, or 7mm Remington Magnum where 1-2 MOA performance is the target.
Budget-constrained complete setups where the handloader wants a stand-mounted, micrometer-adjustable measure at one purchase and does not want to source a measure body and stand separately. The bundled stand removes one item from the shopping list and ensures the stand dimensions are calibrated to the measure.
Precision rifle competition with extruded powder is where the measure’s drum tolerance limits become the binding constraint. The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure is not the tool for a 6.5 Creedmoor PRS shooter working to ±0.1-grain charge precision. That application belongs with the Redding Model 3 or Redding Match 3BR and a quality trickler-and-scale pairing.
Competitive Analysis
Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure vs. Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Powder Measure: The Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest measure is a direct price-tier competitor at approximately $70-85. It offers micrometer adjustment, aluminum construction in some components, and Lock-N-Load bushing integration for Hornady press users. The Hornady measure does not bundle a stand; the stand must be purchased separately or the measure must be mounted to a press. The Frankford Arsenal kit’s stand inclusion is a convenience advantage for the bench-top workflow buyer. The Hornady measure’s Lock-N-Load bushing system is a significant advantage for Hornady press users who want to swap the measure between the press die station and a stand. For a non-Hornady press buyer, the stand-bundled Frankford Arsenal kit at a potentially lower total price is competitive. Choose the Frankford Arsenal kit if the stand is important and you are not in the Hornady ecosystem. Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest if Lock-N-Load press integration and aluminum construction are priorities.
Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure vs. Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure: The Lyman Brass Smith is a micrometer-adjustable measure at approximately $60-75 – similar price to the Frankford Arsenal kit without a stand included. It offers Brass Smith ecosystem integration with the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler and funnel system. Build quality between the Frankford Arsenal and Lyman measures is comparable. The Frankford Arsenal kit’s stand inclusion is its differentiator; the Lyman measure’s ecosystem integration is Lyman’s argument. For the buyer who already runs Lyman Brass Smith tools, the Lyman measure is the natural choice. For a brand-agnostic buyer who values the stand inclusion, the Frankford Arsenal kit offers comparable performance with the stand built in. Choose the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top kit if stand inclusion and price are the deciding factors. Choose the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure if you run other Lyman Brass Smith case prep tools and want matched components.
Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure vs. Redding Model 3 with Universal Metering Chamber: The Redding Model 3 is machined aluminum throughout, with tighter drum tolerances, better micrometer thread quality, and longer long-term consistency. It costs approximately $100-130 – roughly $40-60 more than the Frankford Arsenal kit. The Redding measure is the superior technical product in every measured parameter. The Frankford Arsenal kit’s value argument is price and stand inclusion; the Redding’s argument is quality, consistency, and service life. For a handloader who loads precision rifle work or expects to use the same measure for a decade or more, the Redding’s premium is justified. For a handloader who loads primarily pistol calibers and casual hunting rifle loads and wants to minimize up-front cost, the Frankford Arsenal kit is adequate. Choose the Redding Model 3 for serious long-term precision use. Choose the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top for budget-first general-purpose loading.
Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure vs. Lee Deluxe Perfect Powder Measure: The Lee Deluxe kit is a fixed-insert drum system bundled with a stand and rifle charging die body at approximately $45-65. The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure offers micrometer adjustment – the ability to dial between charge weights without swapping inserts – which is a meaningful functional upgrade over the Lee system. The Lee kit includes a rifle charging die body for press-integrated use; the Frankford Arsenal kit does not (though the 7/8-14 threading allows press mounting). For a buyer who values charge weight adjustability over press integration convenience, the Frankford Arsenal kit is the better choice. For a buyer who primarily loads fixed working charges and wants press-die integration, the Lee Deluxe kit is competitive. Choose the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top if micrometer adjustability is more important than press-integration convenience. Choose the Lee Deluxe if fixed working charges and press-die integration are the priority.
Comparison Table
| Feature | FA Bench Top with Stand | Hornady LNL Bench Rest | Lyman Brass Smith | Redding Model 3 Universal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | Micrometer ring | Micrometer ring | Micrometer ring | Micrometer ring |
| Construction | Polymer body | Aluminum | Aluminum | Machined aluminum |
| Stand Included | Yes | No | No | No |
| Lock-N-Load Bushing | No | Yes | No | No |
| Ball Powder Performance | Good | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Extruded Powder Performance | Marginal-good | Good | Good | Good-very good |
| Press Mount Option | Yes (7/8-14) | Yes (LNL bushing) | Yes (7/8-14) | Yes (7/8-14) |
| Ecosystem Integration | Frankford Arsenal tools | Hornady LNL presses | Lyman Brass Smith tools | Redding presses/dies |
| User Rating | N/A | ~4.3/5 | ~4.2/5 | ~4.6/5 |
| Price Range | $55-$75 | $70-$85 | $60-$75 | $100-$130 |
Troubleshooting
Charge weight varies more than ±0.5 grains with ball powder under consistent technique. Check the baffle position – a displaced baffle allows the powder column head pressure to vary as the hopper empties, producing charge drift across a session. Also confirm the hopper is at least one-quarter full throughout the session. If both are correct, check the drum for debris at the cavity opening that could be partially blocking fill on some strokes. Disassemble, clean, and reinstall.
Micrometer ring creeps from set position during a loading session. Powder dust has accumulated in the micrometer thread, reducing friction and allowing the ring to shift under vibration from lever use. Clean the micrometer thread area with a dry brush. If the ring continues to creep, confirm the lock ring or friction collar – if present on this production run – is tightened properly. Some Frankford Arsenal measure versions include a lock ring that must be snugged against the micrometer ring after setting the charge weight.
Stand base shifts on the bench surface during use. Place a non-slip rubber mat under the stand base. For bench surfaces with a texture that prevents mat use, a C-clamp or bench clamp securing the stand base to the bench edge provides a permanent solution. A stand that moves during use produces inconsistent drop tube positioning relative to the case or pan, which increases powder spill.
Drop tube height does not match the scale pan or funnel height. The fixed stand height is a limitation of the design – it cannot be adjusted. If the drop tube is too high above the pan, powder bounces and scatters. If too low, the tube contacts the pan and causes spillage. The practical solution is to raise the scale pan using a riser block or a funnel that brings the receiver opening to the correct height below the drop tube. The Frankford Arsenal Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit seated on a case in a loading block provides the correct height for most scale pan configurations.
Drum rotates stiffly after a powder change. The previous powder left residue in the drum-housing interface that has partially dried or compacted. Disassemble the drum, clean the drum exterior and housing bore with a dry cloth, and reassemble. If stiffness persists after cleaning, apply a small amount of dry lubricant to the drum’s exterior cylindrical surface. Do not use petroleum-based sprays in the cavity interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure come ready to use out of the box, or do I need additional components? The kit includes the measure body, hopper, drop tube, and stand. No additional components are required for bench-top use. If you want to mount the measure in a press die station instead of or in addition to the stand, the 7/8-14 threaded body accepts any standard die station without additional hardware. A powder funnel to direct the charge into the case is a useful companion item; the Frankford Arsenal Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit is the natural pairing.
Can I use the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure for 6.5 Creedmoor or 308 Winchester competition loads? For hunting and casual range loads in those calibers, yes – the measure handles medium extruded powders like Hodgdon H4350 and Hodgdon Varget adequately. For PRS competition or other precision rifle work where sub-0.2-grain charge consistency matters, the Frankford Arsenal measure’s drum tolerance is the limiting factor. That application benefits from a trickler-and-scale workflow with the measure throwing a slightly light charge, or an upgrade to a tighter-tolerance measure.
Is this measure suitable for loading magnum rifle calibers like 7mm Remington Magnum or 300 Win Mag? Yes, within the 100-grain maximum charge range. 7mm Remington Magnum hunting charges with Alliant Reloder 22 in the 65-68 grain range, and 300 Win Mag hunting charges with Hodgdon H4350 in the 70-75 grain range, both fall within the measure’s operational range. Verify charge weight on a scale for each magnum caliber session.
How does this measure compare to the Lee Perfect Powder Measure in terms of adjustability? The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Measure uses a micrometer ring for continuous charge weight adjustment – any charge within the drum’s range can be set without swapping hardware. The Lee Perfect Powder Measure uses fixed-insert drums that require physical swaps to change charge weight. For a handloader who loads multiple calibers with different charge weights in the same session, the micrometer ring’s adjustability is a genuine workflow improvement over the Lee insert system.
What is the compatible stand height for pairing with the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler? The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler output tube height is designed to work with standard scale pan heights. If using the measure stand with a powder scale for a throw-and-trickle workflow, position the scale adjacent to the stand so the scale pan sits under the measure’s drop tube for charge throwing, then moves to the trickler’s output position for fine adjustment. The two-step workflow – throw from the stand measure, trickle from the Frankford Arsenal trickler – is a natural pairing within the Frankford Arsenal product line.
Conclusion
The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure with Stand is a practical, budget-accessible bench charging station that covers the needs of the general-purpose handloader without the price premium of Redding, Hornady, or Forster measures. The micrometer ring provides genuine adjustability over Lee’s fixed-insert system, the stand inclusion makes it a complete ready-to-use bench tool rather than a measure body that still requires additional hardware, and the Frankford Arsenal ecosystem integration with the matching trickler and funnel accessories creates a coherent low-cost case prep solution.
The polymer construction and moderate drum tolerances mean the measure is not a long-term precision rifle instrument. Extruded stick powder performance is adequate for hunting and casual rifle loads; it is not adequate for competition precision rifle loading without per-round scale verification. For that use case, the additional investment in a Redding Model 3 is justified. For the handloader who loads pistol calibers and hunting rifle loads, values stand inclusion, and wants micrometer adjustability at a moderate price, the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top kit delivers on its promise.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure with Stand if you load pistol calibers and general hunting rifle loads on a single-stage press, want a bench-top stand included in the purchase, prefer micrometer adjustment over a fixed-insert system, and want to stay within the Frankford Arsenal product ecosystem with matching trickler and funnel accessories.
Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest Powder Measure instead if you run a Hornady press and want Lock-N-Load bushing integration or prefer aluminum construction at a modest additional cost.
Choose the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Measure instead if you run Lyman Brass Smith case prep tools and want matched ecosystem integration with the Lyman trickler and funnel system.
Choose the Redding Model 3 with Universal Metering Chamber instead if precision rifle loading with extruded powder is a significant part of your workflow, or if you want a measure that will deliver consistent performance for many years without upgrade pressure.
Disclaimer: Specifications and pricing in this article are drawn from manufacturer and retailer sources current at time of publication. Always verify current pricing before purchasing.
Editorial note: Originally published May 2026. Initial publication. The article covers the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure’s micrometer adjustment system, integrated stand design and bench-top workflow advantages, polymer construction, powder type performance characteristics, Frankford Arsenal ecosystem integration, and competitive positioning against the Hornady Lock-N-Load Bench Rest, Lyman Brass Smith, and Redding Model 3 powder measures.
