Every reloader knows the moment of truth arrives not at the press, but at the scale. The precise measurement of powder is the single most critical factor separating good ammunition from great ammunition. Its the difference between a tight group and a flyer, between confidence and doubt. For decades, this process was a slow dance between a mechanical powder measure and a manual trickler, a ritual of patience. Today, technology offers a different path.
Enter the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0. This isn’t just another digital powder scale; it’s an automated powder dispenser designed to merge speed with benchrest accuracy. It promises to eliminate the tedium of manual trickling while delivering the powder throw consistency demanded by precision shooters. Does it live up to the hype for both rifle and handgun reloading? Let’s find out.
Why Your Powder Measure Choice Defines Your Ammo
The core of any reloading operation is achieving a consistent charge weight. Variations here translate directly to velocity changes and pressure spikes, which erode accuracy and safety. A high-quality powder dispenser is an investment in both. While a basic reloading press forms the case, the measure fills it with the propellant that makes it work. The goal is perfect repeatability, shot after shot.
Honestly speaking, the debate between a traditional mechanical drum measure and a modern digital system often comes down to workflow preference versus absolute precision. Mechanical units, like those from RCBS or Hornady, are fast and reliable for volume work. Digital systems, however, aim for that last fraction of a grain. The Intellidropper 2.0 attempts to bridge that gap, offering automated precision that can keep pace with a deliberate reloading session.
Mechanical Drum vs. Digital Dispenser: A Fundamental Shift
types of powder measures is key. Mechanical drum measures use a rotating metering chamber to scoop a volume of powder. Their speed is legendary, but they can struggle with certain powder types. Flake and stick powders may not meter as uniformly as spherical ball powders, leading to slight variances that a precision rifle reloader might find unacceptable.
Digital dispensers like the Intellidropper work on a different principle. They use an integrated powder scale and an automated trickler to dribble powder until the exact target weight is reached. This method is inherently slower but dramatically more precise. It’s the ideal solution for the reloader asking about the best powder measure for precision rifle reloading. From my honest perspective, this automation also reduces user fatigue and error, allowing you to focus on other aspects of case prep.
Where the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 Fits
The Intellidropper 2.0 sits firmly in the digital dispenser category, but with a focus on refined performance. Its not the tool for cranking out 500 rounds of 9mm in an houra progressive press with a case-activated measure is better for that. Instead, its for the shooter who measures success in thousandths of an inch at 100 yards. Its for the handloader who values absolute consistency over raw speed, making it a contender for the most accurate powder measure for handgun loading in competitive disciplines like Bullseye or USPSA Carry Optics where minor power factor is critical.
Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0: In-Depth Review
Frankford Arsenal has built a reputation for offering solid value in the reloading space, and the Intellidropper 2.0 represents their push into the precision arena. Priced around $244, it occupies a middle ground between budget-friendly manual measures and high-end automated systems.
My honest take is that the design focuses on user-friendly automation. The unit combines a large, stable base with a clear control panel and a dispensing head that promises minimal static clinga crucial and often overlooked safety protocol for static electricity with digital scales. Proper setup is vital, involving calibration and ensuring the unit is on a perfectly level, vibration-free surface on your reloading bench.
Key Features & Performance
The advertised features point toward a system built for accuracy. The automated trickling system is designed to approach the target weight quickly and then finish with a slow, precise dribble to hit the exact grain weight. This is where powder throw consistency is won or lost.
A critical consideration, and one that some reviews gloss over, is powder type compatibility. How does it handle long, extruded stick powders like Varget or IMR 4064 compared to fine ball powders like H335. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The design of the hopper and feed mechanism is paramount here. maintenance and cleaning procedures are essential for long-term reliability. Powder dust is abrasive and can affect sensitive mechanisms. A good practice, according to Honest Opinion, is to empty and brush out the hopper when changing powder types to prevent cross-contamination.
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Digital Automated Powder Dispenser & Scale |
| Model | Intellidropper 2.0 |
| Key Function | Automated trickling to a pre-set charge weight with integrated scale verification. |
| Typical Use Case | Precision rifle reloading, competitive handgun loads, low-to-medium volume precision ammo. |
| Primary Advantage | Eliminates manual trickling, reduces user-induced error, aims for high precision. |
| Considerations | Speed is slower than mechanical measures. Requires clean, stable bench setup. |
| Check current price on Amazon |
What to Look for in Any Powder Dispensing System
Whether you’re considering the Intellidropper or any other measure, several factors dictate success. I honestly believe these are non-negotiable for serious reloaders.
- Accuracy & Precision: This is the whole point. Look for demonstrated repeatability within +/- 0.1 grains or better. Reviews from trusted sources like the American Rifleman or user experiences on forums like r/reloading are invaluable for real-world data.
- Powder Compatibility: Will it meter your favorite powders consistently? A powder baffle in mechanical measures or a well-designed feed tube in digital ones helps ensure consistent flow from the hopper to the metering chamber.
- Build Quality & Stability: The device must be rigid. Flimsy construction leads to vibration, which kills accuracy on a digital powder scale. A broad base is a good sign.
- Ease of Use & Setup: Calibration should be straightforward. The workflowfrom setting a charge to dispensing it into the case mouthshould be intuitive and efficient.
- Value: Does the performance justify the price? For someone looking for the best budget powder measure under $100, a mechanical measure is the answer. For those seeking automated precision, the value proposition shifts.
Final Recommendations & FAQs
So, who is the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 for? To be completely honest, it’s a specialized tool for a specific reloader.
Is the Intellidropper 2.0 Right For You?
Choose the Intellidropper 2.0 if: Your primary goal is extreme accuracy for rifle or pistol. You load in batches of 50-200 rounds and prefer a methodical, precise process. You’re tired of manual trickling and want to automate the most critical step. You reload a variety of powder types and need a system that can adapt.
Consider a traditional measure if: You load high volumes of pistol or rifle ammo for plinking or training. Speed is your primary concern. Your budget is tight, and you’re willing to trade a bit of speed for precision com/frankford-arsenal-precision-turret-press-vs-lee-precision-90932-turret-press/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>powder trickler with a mechanical thrower. You’re just starting out and wrestling with the classic powder measure vs powder scale for beginners dilemmaa simple mechanical measure and a good scale is a fantastic learning combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is it really?
My honest assessment is that a well-calibrated Intellidropper 2.0 should deliver charges within a few hundredths of a grain consistently, assuming proper setup and compatible powder. This is more than sufficient for all but the most extreme benchrest accuracy pursuits.
Is it faster than using a manual trickler?
Absolutely. It automates the slowest part of the precision charging process. You set it, start it, and it delivers a verified charge while you seat a bullet in the previously charged case.
What about static electricity?
Frankford Arsenal designs its modern equipment with static mitigation in mind. Keeping the unit clean and in a humidity-controlled environment (above 40% relative humidity is a good target) further minimizes risk.
Can it handle all powder types?
Most automated dispensers work best with free-flowing ball and spherical powders. Extremely long stick powders or dense flake powders may require a slower trickle setting or might not be ideal. This is a key consideration often missing from basic spec sheets.
The journey to find the best powder dispenser is deeply personal. It intertwines with your reloading philosophy, your budget, and your accuracy requirements. The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 makes a compelling case for the reloader ready to embrace digital precision. It offers a streamlined path to consistent charge weight, turning what was once a chore into a reliable, automated step. For the precision-focused shooter, thats not just a convenienceits a tangible edge.