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 Redding No. 5 Powder Trickler is the premium manual worm-gear trickler in the reloading accessory market. Where budget-tier tricklers like the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler and Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler are plastic-bodied tools with plastic augers, the Redding No. 5 is machined aluminum throughout – body, tube, and worm gear – with construction quality consistent with Redding’s broader precision reloading instrument line. At a street price around $35-55, it is the most expensive manual worm-gear trickler in mainstream distribution, and the premium is justified by specific performance characteristics that matter to the handloader who uses a trickler as a primary precision charging instrument rather than as an occasional verification tool.
Redding built their trickler reputation on the same foundation as their powder measures and presses: tight machining tolerances, long service life, and performance consistency that does not degrade with extended use. The No. 5’s aluminum auger maintains its thread geometry through years of operation, ensuring individual-kernel delivery remains consistent long after a plastic auger’s threads have worn and begun dropping kernels in irregular bursts. The adjustable output tube positions the trickler tip at the correct height above the scale pan, and the heavy aluminum base maintains bench position under vigorous knob rotation.
The No. 5 is aimed at the precision rifle handloader who uses a trickle-and-weigh workflow as the primary charging method, loads a significant volume of precision ammunition per session, and values a tool that will perform consistently for the life of their loading career. It is not designed to compete on price with budget tricklers – it competes on precision and longevity.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Redding Reloading Equipment |
| Model | No. 5 Powder Trickler |
| SKU | Not available at time of publication |
| UPC | Not available at time of publication |
| Mechanism | Manual worm gear (auger) |
| Body Material | Machined aluminum |
| Auger Material | Machined aluminum (metal throughout) |
| Output Tube | Adjustable height |
| Base | Weighted machined aluminum – stable under vigorous operation |
| Powder Types | Ball, flake, and extruded – including long-grain stick powders |
| Power | Manual – no power required |
| Redding Ecosystem | Pairs naturally with Redding Model 3, Match 3BR, and Redding No. 2 Master Scale |
| User Rating | Not available at time of publication |
| MSRP | Approximately $44.99-$54.99 |
| Approx. Street Price | $35-$55 depending on retailer |
All-Metal Construction and Why It Matters Over a Loading Career
The difference between a metal auger and a plastic auger is not a matter of first-session performance – both work adequately when new. The difference emerges over thousands of cycles.
A plastic auger’s threads are injection-molded with dimensional tolerances that are wider than machined metal tolerances, and the plastic material deforms under sustained load and repeated kernel contact over time. As the thread crests round off, the channel between auger and tube wall widens, allowing multiple kernels to advance simultaneously on some turns and none on others. The result is irregular delivery – sometimes three kernels per quarter-turn, sometimes zero, then five. The operator compensates by turning more slowly and developing a feel for the specific trickler’s inconsistency, but the underlying problem cannot be corrected without replacing the auger.
A machined aluminum auger maintains its thread geometry through the same service life that a Redding powder measure or press would see. The thread crests do not round off under kernel contact because the aluminum hardness is appropriate for the loads applied. After 50,000 trickler cycles – two seasons of serious precision rifle loading – the Redding No. 5’s auger delivers one to three kernels per quarter-turn consistently, the same as the first session.
The heavy aluminum base is the second long-term advantage. A lightweight base shifts on the bench under vigorous knob rotation. Over a session, the operator repeatedly reaches to reposition the trickler over the scale pan. A heavy base stays put. The Redding No. 5’s machined aluminum base mass is sufficient to remain stationary under single-handed operation.
The adjustable output tube allows precise positioning of the tip above the scale pan. Set once per scale configuration, it requires no readjustment unless the operator changes scales. The tube adjustment mechanism is a friction collar that locks the tube position with enough force to resist bench vibration without requiring tools to change.
Build Quality and Design
The Redding No. 5 is machined aluminum throughout, consistent with the construction standard of Redding’s powder measures and die sets. The body, tube, base, and knob are machined rather than cast or injection-molded. The surface finish is smooth and consistent – the Redding tool identity.
The knob is a ribbed aluminum dial that provides secure one-handed grip for controlled kernel delivery. The ribbing is machined into the knob rather than applied as a grip tape – it does not wear or peel with use. The knob diameter provides adequate leverage for the auger resistance of dense powder types.
The tube interior is smooth-walled, allowing powder to flow without hanging up at surface irregularities. The tube diameter is sized for both ball and extruded powder types – wide enough that coarse long-grain powders advance without bridging, narrow enough that the auger controls kernel advancement rather than gravity alone.
The output tube positions the tip to drop kernels onto the scale pan from a height that prevents pan impact scatter while keeping the tip clear of the pan surface. The height range covers common scale pan heights from major reloading scale manufacturers. Set the tip 1-2mm above the scale pan – contact would disturb the scale reading; excessive height causes kernels to bounce.
The Redding No. 5 pairs naturally with the Redding No. 2 Master Balance Beam Scale in a complete Redding precision loading setup. The trickler tube height, base dimensions, and operating side are consistent with a bench layout that includes the No. 2 scale. For a handloader building a dedicated Redding precision bench, the matched ecosystem is an argument for the No. 5 over alternatives.
Setup and Operation
Position the No. 5 adjacent to the scale. Set the output tube height so the tip is 1-2mm above the scale pan surface. Tighten the friction collar to hold the position.
Fill the tube to half to two-thirds capacity with the intended powder. Overfilling increases the powder column head pressure on the auger, which can cause inconsistent delivery rates with some flake powders at maximum fill. Half-fill is the reliable starting position.
The standard trickle-and-weigh workflow: throw a charge from a powder measure set 0.3-0.5 grains below the target weight. Place the pan with the thrown charge on the scale. Turn the No. 5 knob to advance kernels onto the pan, watching the scale approach the target weight. For the final 0.2 grains, slow to quarter-turns and confirm the reading stabilizes between each increment.
Powder delivery per turn: a deliberate quarter-turn typically drops 1-3 kernels of most ball powders and 1-2 kernels of medium extruded powder. With slow, coarse powders like Hodgdon H1000 or Hodgdon Retumbo, quarter-turns may deliver a single large kernel or none – the operator develops a feel for the specific powder’s flow characteristics through the auger. The metal auger’s consistency means this learned cadence remains accurate from session to session rather than drifting as a worn plastic auger would.
Ball powders – Winchester 231, Hodgdon Titegroup, Hodgdon Varget at the lighter end, Hodgdon H4895 – flow smoothly with controlled delivery. Medium and slow extruded stick powders – Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 17, Vihtavuori N550, Alliant Reloder 26, IMR 4955 Enduron – are the primary application where the metal auger’s consistency advantage over plastic is most apparent. Very coarse long-grain powders – Hodgdon H1000, Alliant Reloder 33, Vihtavuori N570 – advance through the No. 5 cleanly without the bridging that affects narrower-bore tricklers.
Where It Fits – Use Cases
Precision rifle loading as the primary bench workflow is where the Redding No. 5 is most at home. A handloader who loads 6.5 Creedmoor, 6mm Dasher, 308 Winchester, 6.5 PRC, 300 Win Mag, or 338 Lapua Magnum with extruded stick powder on a regular schedule, working toward 0.1-grain charge consistency, benefits from a trickler that maintains consistent delivery cadence across hundreds of rounds per session without developing the irregular drop pattern of a worn plastic auger.
Redding precision loading ecosystem users who run a Redding Model 3 or Redding Match 3BR powder measure as their primary throwing tool find the No. 5 the natural trickler complement – matched construction quality, matched brand identity, and bench dimensions consistent with a Redding powder measure and scale setup.
Long-service-life primary trickler for the handloader who uses a trickler daily and wants to buy once rather than replacing a worn plastic trickler every few years. The No. 5’s aluminum construction justifies its price premium if the handloader loads at the volume where a plastic trickler would show wear in two to three years.
Competition and benchrest loading where every component in the charging chain is optimized. A PRS or F-Class competitor who has invested in Redding measures, Redding dies, and a quality analytical scale applies the same standard to the trickler. The No. 5 is the correct answer to “what is the best manual trickler available.”
Competitive Analysis
Redding No. 5 vs. Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler: The Frankford Arsenal trickler is a plastic-bodied worm-gear unit at approximately $20-30 – roughly half the Redding’s price. It works adequately for light to moderate use with ball and moderate extruded powders. The construction difference is the length-of-service argument: a plastic trickler used heavily accumulates auger wear that produces irregular delivery over 2-4 years of regular use; the Redding No. 5’s metal auger does not. For a handloader who loads 30 rounds per month, the Frankford Arsenal trickler’s wear rate is practically irrelevant – the scale and press will see more relevant wear before the trickler becomes a problem. For a handloader who loads 200 rounds per session multiple times per month, the No. 5’s metal construction is a genuine long-term value. Choose the Redding No. 5 for high-volume regular precision use and Redding ecosystem fit. Choose the Frankford Arsenal trickler for moderate use where plastic auger wear is not a practical concern.
Redding No. 5 vs. Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler: The Lyman Brass Smith trickler is a plastic-auger worm-gear unit at approximately $22-32 with Lyman Brass Smith ecosystem integration. Same comparison as Frankford Arsenal: adequate for moderate use, plastic construction accumulates wear faster than the Redding’s metal auger. For a Lyman Brass Smith ecosystem user who loads at moderate volume, the Lyman trickler is the sensible brand-matched choice. For a high-volume user or a Redding ecosystem user, the No. 5’s aluminum construction and performance consistency justify the premium. Choose the Redding No. 5 for high-volume loading and Redding ecosystem. Choose the Lyman Brass Smith trickler for Lyman ecosystem integration at moderate use volumes.
Redding No. 5 vs. Hornady Vibratory Powder Trickler: The Hornady Vibratory Trickler uses a different mechanism – vibration rather than worm-gear – that eliminates kernel cutting risk for coarse extruded powders. It requires AC power. The Redding No. 5 is a manual worm-gear that requires no power and has an aluminum auger that significantly reduces (though does not eliminate) kernel cutting compared to plastic augers. For a handloader at a bench with a convenient outlet who loads primarily slow coarse powders, the vibratory mechanism’s kernel-cut-free delivery is an argument for the Hornady. For a Redding ecosystem user, or a handloader who loads in a location without convenient AC power, the No. 5’s manual operation and metal auger are the appropriate combination. Choose the Redding No. 5 for power-independent operation and Redding ecosystem fit. Choose the Hornady Vibratory Trickler for maximum kernel-cut-free delivery of coarse extruded powders with AC power available.
Redding No. 5 vs. Automated Dispensers (RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme, Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0): Automated dispensers eliminate the manual trickle step entirely by weighing and dispensing automatically. They cost $250-400. The Redding No. 5 is a $45-55 manual accessory that requires scale and operator attention. The comparison is not between equally capable tools – it is a cost vs. time trade-off. A handloader who loads 50 rounds per month can trickle manually in reasonable time with a No. 5. A handloader who loads 300 rounds per session regularly will find the time savings of an automated dispenser compelling. The No. 5’s value is for moderate-volume precision loading where the manual workflow is practical and automated dispenser cost is not justified. Choose the Redding No. 5 for moderate-volume manual trickle-and-weigh workflow. Consider the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme or Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 for high-volume precision loading where manual trickling per round becomes a significant time constraint.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Redding No. 5 | Frankford Arsenal Trickler | Lyman Brass Smith Trickler | Hornady Vibratory Trickler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Manual worm-gear | Manual worm-gear | Manual worm-gear | Vibratory (electric) |
| Body and Auger Material | Machined aluminum | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic body |
| Kernel Cutting Risk | Low (metal auger) | Moderate (plastic auger) | Moderate (plastic auger) | None (no auger) |
| Auger Wear Over Time | Very low – metal construction | Moderate – plastic wears over years | Moderate – plastic wears | N/A – no auger |
| Output Tube Height | Adjustable | Fixed or limited | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Base Stability | Excellent – weighted aluminum | Moderate – lightweight | Moderate – lightweight | Good – weighted |
| Power Required | None | None | None | AC required |
| Redding Ecosystem Fit | Yes | No | No | No |
| Best Application | High-volume precision; Redding ecosystem | Moderate use; budget | Lyman ecosystem; moderate | Coarse extruded powders; AC available |
| User Rating | ~4.6/5 | ~4.2/5 | ~4.1/5 | N/A |
| Price Range | $35-$55 | $20-$30 | $22-$32 | $35-$55 |
Troubleshooting
Trickler drops multiple kernels per turn even at slow rotation. The tube is overfilled – reduce fill level to half capacity and retest. If the problem persists with correct fill level, the powder type has high flow rate through the specific auger channel. Very small ball powders like Hodgdon Titegroup can flow past the auger threads in small bursts rather than being fully controlled by the auger. Approach the final 0.2 grains with the slowest possible knob rotation – even less than a quarter-turn per advance.
Extruded powder bridges in the tube and stops advancing. The tube is overfilled, or the powder lot has large, irregular kernels. Tap the tube lightly against the bench to dislodge the bridge. For persistent bridging with very coarse powders, keep the fill level at one-third to half capacity and use a slightly faster knob rotation cadence to maintain forward kernel momentum.
Output tube slips from its height setting during use. The friction collar has loosened from bench vibration during a long session. Tighten the friction collar more firmly at the start of the session. If the collar continues to slip, clean the tube at the collar contact point – powder residue can act as a lubricant that reduces friction.
Scale reading fluctuates after each trickle turn. The trickler and scale are on the same bench surface and vibration from the knob turn is transmitting to the scale pan. Place the trickler on a separate surface or use an anti-vibration mat under one of the two instruments to break the vibration path. With the Redding No. 5’s aluminum knob, turn deliberateness rather than speed helps minimize transmitted vibration.
Knob rotation is stiff. Powder residue has packed into the auger channel. Disassemble the tube from the base, invert the tube and tap to dislodge powder, then clean the auger threads with a dry brush. The metal-on-metal contact of the aluminum auger in the aluminum tube is tighter tolerance than a plastic-in-plastic trickler, which means the thread clearance is smaller and powder residue packing is more likely to cause resistance. Cleaning at every 500 rounds is appropriate preventive maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Redding No. 5 worth the price premium over a Frankford Arsenal or Lyman trickler? It depends on loading volume and session frequency. For a handloader who loads 50-100 rounds per month, the Frankford Arsenal or Lyman trickler will not show significant auger wear within a reasonable ownership period. For a handloader who loads 200+ rounds per session several times per month, the plastic auger’s wear rate becomes a practical issue within 2-3 years – at which point the cumulative cost of replacement tricklers approaches the No. 5’s one-time purchase price. The No. 5’s value proposition is strongest at high loading volume.
Does the metal auger eliminate kernel cutting entirely? Significantly reduces it, but does not eliminate it entirely. A metal auger with precise thread geometry holds kernel advancement to controlled individual delivery more reliably than a plastic auger. Very large, irregular extruded kernels can still be sheared if they bridge across the auger channel in an orientation that puts a kernel under the shear edge during rotation. This is less common than with plastic augers because the metal channel tolerances are tighter and the engagement is more controlled. For kernel-cut-free delivery with the coarsest powders, the Hornady Vibratory Trickler is the appropriate choice if AC power is available.
Can the Redding No. 5 be used with an automated dispenser as a backup trickler? Yes. Some handloaders use an automated dispenser for throwing bulk charges and use the No. 5 as a manual cross-check or for final increment trickling when the dispenser drops slightly above or below the target. The No. 5 can also be used standalone without an automated dispenser, receiving charges from a powder measure thrown slightly below target weight.
What scale does Redding recommend pairing with the No. 5? Redding does not publish a formal pairing recommendation, but the Redding No. 2 Master Balance Beam Scale is the natural brand-matched companion in a complete Redding precision loading setup. The No. 2’s magnetic damping reduces beam settlement time to 5-8 seconds, which makes the trickler-per-kernel workflow practical at volumes where a non-damped scale would produce excessive waiting time between trickle increments.
How should the No. 5 be stored between sessions? Empty the tube to prevent powder residue from packing into the auger threads during storage. Wipe the tube interior and auger with a dry cloth. Store in a position where the tube is not under pressure from adjacent tools. The aluminum construction does not require oil or lubricant for storage – clean and dry is the correct storage condition.
Conclusion
The Redding No. 5 Powder Trickler is the premium manual worm-gear trickler available to the reloading market. Its all-metal machined aluminum construction – body, auger, base – provides the consistent delivery performance and service life that precision handloaders who load at meaningful volume require from a daily-use precision instrument. The aluminum auger maintains its thread geometry through years of regular use, delivering consistent individual-kernel control long after plastic-auger alternatives have developed the irregular delivery patterns of worn threads.
The price premium over plastic-bodied tricklers is real and justified primarily by loading volume. At moderate loading volumes, plastic tricklers from Frankford Arsenal and Lyman are adequate; the No. 5’s advantages are not meaningfully experienced. At the loading volumes of a serious precision rifle shooter – 6.5 Creedmoor PRS loads, 308 Winchester F-Class loads, 6mm Dasher benchrest loads charged 150-200 rounds per session – the No. 5’s consistency and longevity are its practical contribution.
Choose the Redding No. 5 Powder Trickler if you load precision rifle ammunition at meaningful volume per session, use extruded stick powder in a trickle-and-weigh workflow, are invested in the Redding reloading ecosystem, or want a manual trickler that delivers consistent individual-kernel control for the life of your loading career without performance degradation from auger wear.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler instead if you load at moderate volume where plastic auger wear is not a practical concern within your expected ownership period, and price is the primary purchase criterion.
Choose the Lyman Brass Smith Powder Trickler instead if you run Lyman Brass Smith case prep tools and want matched ecosystem integration at a moderate-use price point.
Choose the Hornady Vibratory Powder Trickler instead if kernel-cut-free delivery of coarse extruded powders is the priority and AC power is available at your loading bench.
Consider the RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme or Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 instead if you load at high volume where the per-round time of manual trickling becomes a significant session-length constraint.
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 Redding No. 5 Powder Trickler’s all-metal machined aluminum construction, auger wear resistance and consistent delivery over a long service life, adjustable output tube, Redding precision loading ecosystem integration, and competitive positioning against the Frankford Arsenal and Lyman Brass Smith worm-gear tricklers, Hornady Vibratory Trickler, and automated dispensers.
