Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure Review

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure: A Review After Real Use

As someone who has spent over a decade working with gear across a spectrum of demanding environments—from the precise needs of a laboratory to the rugged realities of outdoor expeditions and the grit of workshop projects—I approach new equipment with a healthy dose of skepticism and a deep appreciation for functionality. My latest acquisition, the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure, promised a new level of precision for my reloading bench. I was drawn to this unit by a persistent issue with inconsistent powder charges from my older, manual trickler, which was costing me valuable time and, more importantly, the potential accuracy of my reloads. Initial impressions of this model were positive; the static free aluminum body felt robust, and the overall build suggested a product designed for longevity. I had considered a high-end digital scale and dispenser, but the significant price jump for minimal perceived gain in my specific application led me back to a more traditional, bench-mounted solution. My first reaction was one of practical optimism; could this finally be the answer to my powder dispensing woes?

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this powder measure were firmly rooted in my home reloading setup, a space that mimics the structured environment of a workshop. I mounted the included bench mounting plate securely to my bench, a process that was straightforward and took mere minutes. The initial setup involved calibrating it for the first powder, IMR4350, a medium-grained rifle propellant known for its consistent flow.

Performance varied significantly across different powder types. While it handled CFEBLK admirably, allowing for relatively quick dispensing, its struggle with larger, irregularly shaped grains like IMR4350 and IMR7828SSC was immediately apparent. Every single pull resulted in a noticeable clog or inconsistent release, forcing me to repeatedly dump and re-measure charges.

The most significant quirk was the slight leakage of fine-grained powders, like CFEBLK, through the tiny dispensing orifice. This suggests that while the design aims for accuracy, it may not be universally suited for all powder geometries and sizes. The process wasn’t intuitive for larger powders; it required a deliberate, slow motion and often a gentle tap to encourage a consistent trickle, which frankly, defeats the purpose of a fast, bench-mounted measure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, primarily focused on bottleneck rifle cartridges that demand precise powder charges, the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure has revealed its limitations more starkly. The initial promise of smooth operation, facilitated by its ball bearing operation, is certainly present in the mechanism itself, but this smoothness is often negated by powder flow issues.

Durability seems decent on the surface; the aluminum body shows no signs of structural degradation, and the mounting plate remains secure. However, the internal mechanism, particularly the dispensing drum, has begun to show slight wear marks after repeated cycles, though this hasn’t yet translated into a noticeable performance drop.

Maintenance has been relatively simple, involving regular brushing to clear residual powder and occasional wiping down with a anti-static cloth. However, the tiny hole at the bottom, a feature that seems to be the source of its struggles with larger powders, is also a point of frustration when it comes to thorough cleaning. It’s difficult to access and ensure it’s completely free of powder residue, which could impact long-term consistency. Compared to older, simpler measures I’ve used, this one requires more attention to powder type and more patience.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure is constructed from a static free aluminum body, which is a significant plus in a reloading environment where static electricity can be a real nuisance. It boasts a unique hopper shape specifically designed to prevent powder bridging and binding, a common issue with many powder measures. For dispensing, it features micro-adjustable dispensing, allowing for fine-tuning of powder charges. The measure is built upon ultra smooth ball bearing operation, aiming to enhance accuracy and consistency.

The product is compatible with a wide range of calibers, specified as .22 Caliber up to .50 Caliber. This broad compatibility is a key selling point for reloaders who handle diverse firearm types. The included accessories consist of a bench mounting plate, making installation a ready-to-go affair straight out of the box. Its dimensions are 13.4 inches in length and it weighs a substantial 8.1 lb, indicating a solid, bench-bound design rather than a portable unit.

The micro-adjustable dispensing mechanism is central to its intended function. Unlike some simpler measures that rely on a single drum adjustment, this system allows for more granular control over the powder dispensed. This adjustability is crucial for achieving precise charges, especially when working up loads or for cartridges with tight tolerances. The ball bearing operation is also a notable specification, aiming to reduce friction and ensure a smooth, consistent throw with each cycle.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its core function—dispensing powder—the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure presents a mixed bag. For very fine, granular powders like CFEBLK, it functions reasonably well, offering a consistent volume with each throw once dialed in. The micro-adjustable dispensing allows for precise settings, which is a definite plus when you need exact charge weights.

However, its performance drastically degrades with larger or irregularly shaped powders, such as IMR4350 or H4831SC. The user feedback indicated this, and my testing confirmed it: these powders consistently clogged every single pull. The dispensing orifice appears to be the limiting factor, simply being too small to accommodate the free flow of these larger grains without significant binding. This makes it unsuitable for a wide swath of common rifle powders.

The static free aluminum body does indeed seem to reduce static cling, a welcome feature that prevents powder from sticking to the hopper and walls. However, the fine grains of some powders did exhibit a minor tendency to leak through the dispensing mechanism when not actively engaged. This is a minor issue but contributes to the overall sense that the sealing, while adequate for some powders, isn’t perfect for all.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure is undeniably robust, leaning towards a utilitarian and durable aesthetic. The static free aluminum body gives it a professional, workshop-ready feel, and the generous weight suggests it’s built to stay put on the bench, resisting the forces involved in repeated operation. The unique hopper shape is a thoughtful design element, ostensibly aimed at preventing powder bridging, and visually, it does appear to encourage a more consistent flow towards the dispensing mechanism.

Ergonomically, the dispensing handle is comfortable enough for repeated use, though its travel distance feels slightly longer than some other measures, requiring a full sweep for each charge. The micro-adjustable dispensing dial is tactile and provides clear detents, making it easy to return to previously set powder charges. However, the actual dispensing hole, as mentioned, is a point of contention from a functional perspective for certain powder types. The overall build quality feels solid, indicating that Frankford Arsenal put thought into materials and construction for durability, even if the dispensing orifice design could be revisited.

Durability & Maintenance

From a durability standpoint, the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure appears well-built. The aluminum body is resistant to scratches and impacts, and the ball bearing operation should, in theory, provide long-term smooth action. After several weeks of use, there are no visible signs of significant wear on the main structural components.

However, the issue of clogging with larger powders does raise concerns about potential long-term stress on the internal mechanism if forced. Regular maintenance is straightforward: disassembling the hopper and brushing out residual powder is simple, and the included bench mounting plate ensures it remains a stable fixture. The main challenge lies in thoroughly cleaning the small dispensing hole, which can retain fine powder particles. I’ve found that a pipe cleaner or a can of compressed air is necessary for a deep clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure comes with a single, essential accessory: a bench mounting plate. This plate allows for secure and permanent attachment to a reloading bench, ensuring stability during operation. It’s a practical inclusion that immediately enables users to integrate the powder measure into their workspace without needing to purchase additional mounting hardware.

Beyond the included plate, the product description mentions an optional handgun powder drum available. This suggests that while the standard unit is geared towards rifle cartridges (indicated by the .22 Caliber to .50 Caliber range), there’s an aftermarket option for those who reload pistol ammunition and desire a dedicated drum for finer powder control in that application. This acknowledges the need for different dispensing characteristics for various powder types and applications.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure?

This powder measure is best suited for reloaders who primarily work with very fine-grained, free-flowing powders. If your reloading bench is dedicated to cartridges that utilize propellants like certain pistol powders, or specific dense rifle powders that are exceptionally uniform, then this unit might serve you adequately. It’s a decent choice for those prioritizing a robust static free aluminum body and a solid mounting solution.

However, I would strongly advise against this model for anyone who frequently reloads cartridges that require medium to large-grained rifle powders. If you shoot calibers like .30-06, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, or similar, and use powders like IMR4350, H4831SC, or Reloder 22, you will likely experience significant frustration. Those looking for a universal powder measure solution that handles a wide spectrum of powders without issue should explore other options.

For those with compatible powders, consider a can of compressed air or a specialized brush for easier cleaning of the dispensing orifice. A separate powder trickler might still be a necessary companion for those exact charges with larger grains, even if you use this measure for bulk dispensing.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure is a product with a clear intent for precision and robustness, evidenced by its static free aluminum body, ball bearing operation, and micro-adjustable dispensing capabilities. It offers a stable and secure mounting option with its included bench mounting plate, and its compatibility with a wide range of calibers is commendable. However, its performance is severely hampered by its inability to consistently handle larger, irregularly shaped rifle powders, leading to frequent clogging and a less-than-ideal user experience for a significant portion of the reloading community.

While the price point of $68.45 seems reasonable for a bench-mounted powder measure, its functional limitations with popular powders diminish its overall value proposition. It excels with fine powders but falters significantly with those that most rifle reloaders rely on. Therefore, while I can recommend this unit only to those whose powder selection strictly aligns with its strengths—namely, fine and free-flowing propellants—I cannot give it a broad endorsement. For a more versatile and reliable powder dispensing solution across a wider range of ammunition types, other options on the market, though potentially more expensive, will likely offer a more satisfying and less frustrating reloading experience.