The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is a heavy-duty, precision-reloading accessory designed to help handloaders achieve exacting charge weights by dispensing minute amounts of powder one grain at a time. Built with a focus on stability and high capacity, the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler eliminates the common frustrations associated with lightweight plastic tricklers that are prone to tipping or shifting during use. By utilizing a high-mass design and an increased height profile, this tool seamlessly integrates with a wide variety of reloading scales, from traditional balance beams to modern digital units.
In the high-stakes world of precision shooting, where a tenth of a grain can influence long-range ballistics, the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler serves as a vital bridge between volumetric dispensing and final weight verification. Its robust construction ensures that once it is placed on the bench, it remains stationary, allowing the operator to focus entirely on the scale’s readout. Whether you are loading for benchrest competition or fine-tuning hunting rounds for 308 Winchester, the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler provides the consistent, tactile feedback required for sub-0.1-grain accuracy.
- Tool Category – Manual Powder Trickler
- Operation Type – Manual rotation-fed dispensing
- Mechanical Standout – Heavy machined steel construction with a synthetic dust cover that doubles as a non-skid base
Best For: The precision reloader who demands a stable, non-tipping manual trickler with enough height to clear the draft shields of most high-end digital scales.
Technical Specifications & Market Pricing
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is distinguished by its material density and increased vertical reach, making it compatible with taller electronic scales.
| Field | Value |
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler |
| MPN | 903535 |
| Materials | Heavy machined steel body and base, aluminum feed tube |
| Weight (lbs) | ~1.0-1.1 lbs |
| MSRP | $32.99 |
| Approx. Street Price | $19.99-27.99 |
Pricing Analysis
While the MSRP for the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is $32.99, it is frequently available at a competitive street price of $19.99 to $27.99 at major retailers like MidwayUSA, Cabela’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. At this price point, it offers a significant value advantage over other machined steel tricklers, providing a lifetime tool for less than the cost of some plastic alternatives. The inclusion of a dual-purpose rubber cap/base further enhances its value by protecting the powder from moisture and dust during use.
Build Quality, Materials, and Ergonomics
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is crafted from heavy machined steel, a choice that directly addresses the stability issues found in lighter models. This “overbuilt” approach ensures that the unit will not tip over even when the powder reservoir is fully loaded.
Ergonomics and Stability
The primary ergonomic advantage of the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is its increased height. By raising the feed tube, Frankford Arsenal has ensured that the unit can drop powder directly into the pans of taller digital scales without requiring the user to fashion a separate riser. The rotation of the aluminum feed tube is described by users as very smooth, allowing for highly predictable delivery of powder. Additionally, the included synthetic dust cover can be moved to the bottom of the unit to serve as a non-skid base, providing additional “mechanical advantage” by preventing the unit from sliding across a slick reloading bench.
Comprehensive Setup, Calibration, and Operation
To ensure the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler performs at its peak, it should be properly cleaned and positioned before use.
Step-by-Step Assembly and Operation
- Preparation: Although the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is primarily steel, it is shipped with a protective film to prevent corrosion. Wipe the internal reservoir and the aluminum tube with a dry patch or an anti-static dryer sheet to ensure smooth powder flow.
- Positioning: Place the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler next to your scale. If using a digital scale like the Hornady M2 Digital Bench Powder Scale, ensure the delivery tube reaches the center of the powder pan.
- Filling: Remove the top rubber cap and fill the reservoir with your chosen propellant, such as Hodgdon Varget or Alliant Reloder 15.
- Trickling: Once your main powder measure has thrown a slightly underweight charge, slowly rotate the knurled knob on the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler. The internal “rifling” or threads in the tube will carry the powder kernels forward and drop them into the pan.
Maintenance and Cleaning
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler requires minimal maintenance. However, when switching between disparate powders, such as moving from a ball powder like Winchester 748 to a large-flake powder, it is recommended to clean the tube with alcohol to remove any lingering dust or kernels.
Internal Brand Hierarchy
Within the Frankford Arsenal ecosystem, this manual trickler serves as the precision companion to their broader powder handling line.
- Frankford Arsenal DS-750 Electronic Powder Scale: A compact digital scale often paired with this trickler for budget-conscious precision loading.
- Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler: The heavy-duty manual option for traditional bench-top trickling.
- Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 Digital Powder Scale and Dispenser: The fully automated alternative that combines a scale and an electronic trickler into a single unit.
Competitive Market Analysis
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is widely considered one of the most stable manual tricklers on the market.
Deep Dive into Competitors
- Redding #5 Powder Trickler: A legendary competitor made of cast iron. While similarly heavy and stable, the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler often features a higher feed tube, making it more compatible with modern digital scales out of the box.
- Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler: This unit offers a unique height-adjustable body. While the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is fixed-height, many reloaders find its static-free steel construction and overall weight to be more reliable over the long term.
- RCBS Powder Trickler 2: A lighter alternative that features an adjustable base. However, it lacks the “heft” of the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler, which can lead to it being more easily bumped or moved during operation.
- Hornady Powder Trickler: A more affordable, lighter-duty option. It is effective but lacks the premium machined finish and the non-skid rubber base/cap system of the Frankford model.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal | Redding #5 | Lyman Brass Smith | RCBS Trickler 2 |
| Material | Machined Steel | Cast Iron | Die-Cast Aluminum | Plastic/Steel |
| Height Adj. | Fixed (High) | Fixed | Adjustable Body | Adjustable Base |
| Stability | Very High | High | High | Moderate |
| Caps Included | Yes (Rubber) | No | No | No |
Real-World Feedback & Troubleshooting
Users loading for cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor frequently highlight the “rifled” design of the internal tube, which helps deliver consistent drops of extruded powders.
Pros
- Heavy machined steel construction prevents “bench walk” and tipping.
- High capacity reservoir reduces the need for frequent refilling.
- Included rubber caps keep powder clean and double as a non-slip base.
Cons
- The fixed height may still be too short for very tall milligram scales without a spacer.
- The delivery tube is relatively short (approx. 2 inches), which may not reach the center of very wide scales.
Troubleshooting: 3 Technical Quirks
- Tube Reach: If the tube doesn’t reach the center of your scale pan, place the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler at an angle or on a slight riser.
- Powder “Grumbling”: Some very large-grained stick powders like IMR 4895 can bridge. Tilting the unit slightly during rotation can help clear these jams.
- Static: If powder clings to the aluminum tube, wipe it down with a dryer sheet. Because the body is steel, this is rarely an issue compared to plastic models.
FAQ
Q: Can I use the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler with a balance beam scale?
A: Yes, its height is designed to clear the pans of most balance beam scales like the RCBS M1000 Balance Beam Mechanical Powder Scale.
Q: Is the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler compatible with black powder?
A: While it is made of non-sparking steel and aluminum, Frankford Arsenal officially recommends it for smokeless gunpowder only.
Q: What is the exact height to the tube?
A: The height to the center of the delivery tube is approximately 2.5 inches.
Q: Does it come with any accessories?
A: It includes two synthetic rubber caps. One fits on the top to seal the reservoir, and the other fits on the bottom to provide a non-skid surface.
Q: How much powder does it hold?
A: The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler features a “large powder capacity,” typically enough for several hundred precision drops of standard rifle powder.
Q: Is the aluminum tube replaceable?
A: The tube is threaded into the body, which allows for some level of disassembly, though Frankford Arsenal does not currently offer a variety of extension tubes.
Q: Does it work with fine ball powder?
A: Yes, it is very effective with fine ball powders like Winchester 231, providing single-grain precision.
Conclusion & Expert Verdict
The Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is a top-tier manual tool that proves that simplicity and mass are the keys to precision. By moving away from plastic and focusing on heavy machined steel, Frankford Arsenal has created a trickler that is a favorite among precision reloaders for its unwavering stability. While it lacks the height adjustability of some rivals, its “out of the box” compatibility with most modern scales makes it a highly versatile choice for any bench.
Expert Pro Tip: If you find the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler is still slightly too short for a specialized laboratory scale, place it on a heavy hockey puck. This adds an extra inch of height while maintaining the non-slip, high-mass benefits of the trickler’s design.
