Precision in reloading isn’t just a goal; it’s the entire point. Every fraction of a grain matters, and the tool you use to meter powder can make or break your accuracy and safety. For years, the mechanical powder thrower was the standard, but technology has fundamentally changed the game. The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 represents this shift, aiming to bridge the gap between speed and lab-grade precision.
This isn’t just another accessory for your reloading bench. It’s a dedicated electronic powder dispenser designed to eliminate the guesswork. If you’re tired of the tap-and-weigh dance with a manual powder thrower and powder trickler, this device promises a streamlined path to perfect charges. Let’s see if it delivers on that promise.
Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0: A Closer Look
The Intellidropper 2.0 is a clear evolution from its predecessor. It presents itself as a complete, integrated dispensing system. The core promise is simple: select your desired charge weight, press a button, and receive a consistently accurate load, round after round. This approach tackles the inherent variability of extruded and fine ball powder that can plague even the best mechanical measures.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
Frankford Arsenal built this unit with a focus on user experience and robust performance. The design centers around a high-speed, vibration-activated dispensing mechanism coupled with a precision reloading scale. My honest take is that the integration is where this product either shines or stumbles.
Charge consistency is the headline feature, and the specs are engineered to support it. The unit boasts a high-resolution load cell and a claimed dispensing speed that respects your time without sacrificing accuracy. The interface is a backlit digital panel, moving adjustments far beyond a simple micrometer adjustment knob.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Dispensing Type | Electronic, vibration-activated |
| Scale Integration | Built-in precision scale with auto-calibration |
| Powder Hopper Capacity | Large, transparent hopper for extended reloading sessions |
| Control Interface | Digital keypad with backlit display for easy programming |
| Dispensing Speed | Optimized for a balance of speed and precision |
| Power Source | AC Adapter (included) for stable operation |
| Primary Use Case | Bench-mounted precision dispensing for rifle and pistol |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Hands-On Performance & Accuracy Analysis
Unboxing and setup is straightforward. You’ll want a solid, vibration-free spot on your bench. The initial calibration is critical, and the instructions guide you through it. Honestly speaking, taking five minutes here saves a lot of frustration later. Once running, the process is addictive: punch in, say, 24.5 grains, hit dispense, and watch it trickle out, stopping on the dot.
Setup, Calibration, and Real-World Use
Calibration uses included check weights. The auto-calibration feature works well, but for absolute confidence, I always verify with a trusted standalone scalea good practice with any electronic dispenser. The real test comes with different powder types.
- Ball Powder (e.g., H335, BL-C(2)): The Intellidropper excels here. The fine granules flow smoothly, and the vibration system meters them with impressive charge consistency. You’ll rarely see a variance over 0.1 grains.
- Extruded Powder (e.g., Varget, IMR 4064): This is the classic challenge. The longer, stick-like kernels can bridge. The Intellidropper’s system handles it better than a purely mechanical drum, but occasional trickle slowdowns happen. The anti-static cling treatment on the hopper is a welcome, though not always perfect, feature.
For benchrest reloading where every 0.1 grain is scrutinized, you’ll still likely use a trickler for the final kernel. But for high-volume precision or match pistol loads, this dispenser is a game-changer. It turns a tedious step into a quick, repeatable process. Speaking honestly, the time saved during case prep is substantial, allowing you to focus on other critical steps.
Addressing the Long-Term & Compatibility Questions
Many powder measure reviews gloss over longevity. A key consideration is wear parts and service. Frankford Arsenal offers a solid warranty, and their customer service process, from my honest perspective, has been responsive. It’s worth checking their policy for peace of mind.
Another missing detail in many guides is press compatibility. The Intellidropper is a bench unit, not a press-mounted dropper. It works alongside any reloading press, from a single-stage to a progressive. You won’t be mounting it directly on a Dillon 750, for example, but it serves as a superb off-press charging station. This workflow, recommended by , ensures maximum precision before seating the bullet.
Comparison with Competing Powder Measures
Where does the Intellidropper 2. 0 sit in the market. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.It occupies a crucial space between manual measures and ultra-high-end dispensers. Let’s break it down against common alternatives.
Frankford Arsenal Powder Measure vs Hornady & RCBS
The most direct comparison isn’t with another electronic unit, but with the mechanical workhorses: the RCBS Uniflow and Hornady Lock-N-Load measures.
- RCBS Uniflow: The industry benchmark for durability. Its micrometer adjustment is superb, and it’s famously consistent once “seasoned” with powder. However, it requires a skilled operator and a consistent stroke to maintain that consistency, especially with extruded powders. The Intellidropper removes that human variable.
- Hornady Lock-N-Load: Similar to the RCBS in mechanical operation but with a quicker-change die bushing system. It’s a fantastic measure, but again, it relies on operator technique. The debate of Frankford Arsenal powder measure vs Hornady really boils down to manual skill versus automated precision.
- Lee Perfect Powder Measure: The budget champion. It works surprisingly well for its price but lacks the fine-tuning and robust feel of the others. For a beginner on a tight budget, it’s a start, but the Intellidropper is in a different league of technology and price.
Honest to goodness, if you value your time and demand high precision without the ritual, the electronic dispenser wins. If you enjoy the tactile process and are on a tighter budget, a quality mechanical measure like the RCBS Rock Chucker kit’s included measure is still an excellent tool.
Electronic Dispensers: A Category of Its Own
The Intellidropper also competes with other electronic powder dispensers. It’s generally more affordable than the absolute top-tier lab-grade options but offers more features and dedicated design than simple “scale-and-trickler” combos. Its a purpose-built tool for reloaders, not a repurposed lab scale.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Intellidropper 2.0?
So, is the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 the right tool for your bench? My honest assessment is that it serves specific reloaders exceptionally well.
Best Uses & Buying Recommendations
You should strongly consider the Intellidropper 2.0 if:
- You load for precision rifle or competition pistol where charge weight is non-negotiable.
- You reload in moderate to high volume and want to drastically speed up the charging step.
- You struggle with the inconsistency of mechanical measures, especially with tricky extruded powder.
- You want to modernize your reloading equipment guide with a repeatable, automated process.
It might be overkill if:
- You exclusively load low-volume, ultra-precision rounds where every single charge is hand-trickled onto a gem-lab scale anyway.
- Your budget is the primary constraint, and a Lee Perfect Powder Measure meets your needs.
- You need a measure that mounts directly to a progressive press for inline dispensing.
For the best powder measure for pistol reloading where speed and consistency with fine powders are key, the Intellidropper is a top contender. The question of how to calibrate Frankford powder measure is simplefollow the clear manual, and you’ll be running in minutes.
Best Practices & Final Thoughts
To get the most from any electronic dispenser, follow these tips. Keep it on a dedicated, stable surface away from fans or drafts. Calibrate it periodically. Use a powder baffle in the hopper (if not included) to maintain consistent head pressure for even better consistency. And always, always double-check the first few charges and spot-check periodically with a separate scale. This is non-negotiable for safety.
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 successfully brings automated precision within reach of serious reloaders. It transforms a variable-heavy step into a reliable, repeatable subroutine. While it requires a larger initial investment than a mechanical thrower, the payback in time saved, frustration avoided, and confidence gained is real. For the reloader ready to step up from manual metering, this isn’t just an upgradeit’s a new, more precise way of working. Your ammunition, from plinking rounds to match-grade loads, will reflect that difference. For further insights from the community, discussions on platforms like the r/reloading subreddit can offer valuable user experiences.