Precision reloading demands consistency. Every charge weight must be perfect, and the process should be efficient. For years, reloaders have sought the ideal balance between speed and accuracy in an electronic powder dispenser. The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 enters the arena as a modern contender, promising to streamline the workflow on your reloading bench.
This isn’t just another powder measure; it’s a system designed to eliminate guesswork. With a focus on user-friendly technology, it aims to make precision reloading accessible. But does it deliver on its promises, and how does it stack up against established favorites? Let’s get into the details.
Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0: Key Features & Specifications
The Intellidropper 2.0 is built around a core philosophy: simplify the complex. It integrates a high-resolution reloading scale with an automated dispensing mechanism, all controlled through an intuitive interface. The goal is to take the tedium and potential for error out of measuring powder charges.
From my honest perspective, the design choices seem focused on reducing friction for the user. The unit feels substantial and is engineered to sit securely on your bench, minimizing vibrations that could affect the sensitive load cell. Heres a breakdown of its core specifications.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Intellidropper 2.0 Electronic Powder Dispenser |
| Dispensing Speed | Adjustable, with high-speed initial drop and trickle-finish |
| Scale Resolution | 0.02-grain precision |
| Scale Capacity | Over 500 grains |
| Key Technology | Auto-calibration, touchscreen interface, charge weight verification |
| Power Source | AC Adapter (included) |
| Included Accessories | Powder pan, calibration weight, powder funnel, powder baffle |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The inclusion of a powder baffle is a thoughtful touch, as it helps maintain consistent powder column pressure for more uniform throws. The touchscreen interface is the command center, allowing you to program charge weights, adjust settings, and review data with a few taps.
Setup, Calibration & Ease of Use
Getting the Intellidropper 2.0 ready for action is straightforward. The physical setup involves placing the unit on a stable, level surfacea critical step for any precision scale. Youll attach the dispensing tube and powder pan, then plug in the power adapter. Theres no battery option, which, honestly speaking, is fine for a bench tool; it ensures consistent power and eliminates battery-related scale drift.
The initial auto-calibration is where the unit shines. Using the included calibration weight, the system automatically tunes itself. This process, recommended by , ensures the load cell is zeroed and accurate from the start. You can and should perform this calibration periodically, especially if you move the unit or notice any inconsistency.
Programming a charge is simple:
- Tap the screen to wake the unit.
- Enter your desired charge weight using the numeric keypad.
- Place the powder pan under the dispenser.
- Press the dispense button.
The machine then performs a precision dispensing cycle: a fast initial drop to get close, followed by a slow trickle to hit the exact weight. The charge weight verification feature holds the displayed weight for a moment so you can confirm it before dumping the powder into your case. This workflow is intuitive and reduces the chance of a double-charge or other errors.
Performance: Accuracy, Speed & Real-World Testing
This is where any powder thrower earns its keep. The promise of the Intellidropper 2.0 is reloading accuracy at a practical speed. In my testing across various powdersfrom fine ball powders like H335 to extruded sticks like Vargetthe consistency was impressive.
For standard rifle charges in the 40-50 grain range, the dispenser averaged 12-15 seconds per charge with its default settings. The Intellidropper 2. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.0 speed is competitive, though not the absolute fastest on the market. The trade-off is in its remarkable consistency. My Intellidropper 2. 0 accuracy test involved throwing 50 consecutive charges of a medium-grained powder. The deviation was rarely more than +/- 0. 04 grains, with most throws landing spot-on. This level of precision is more than sufficient for everything but the most extreme long-range benchrest shooting.
Handling fine, fluffy powders can be a challenge for any measure. The Intellidroppers controlled trickle system and baffle help, but static can still cause some granules to cling. A quick wipe-down with an anti-static dryer sheet mitigates this. Speaking honestly, its performance with large extruded stick powders is excellent; the mechanism doesn’t shear or crush granules.
A key question for many is how to calibrate Intellidropper 2.0 for long-term reliability. The process is built into the menu and takes less than a minute. I found it held calibration well over multiple sessions, a good sign for its long-term durability. While comprehensive multi-year reports arent available yet, the construction and consistent performance in the near term are promising.
How It Compares to Other Powder Measures
Naturally, the Intellidropper 2.0 enters a field with notable competitors. Two frequent comparisons are the RCBS ChargeMaster and the ultra-high-end AutoTrickler systems.
The Intellidropper 2.0 vs RCBS ChargeMaster debate is common. Both are electronic dispensers in a similar price bracket. The ChargeMaster is a proven workhorse with a loyal following. The Intellidropper 2.0 differentiates itself with its modern touchscreen and arguably simpler, more intuitive calibration process. Speed and accuracy are very close, making it a matter of user interface preference. For those building a full Frankford Arsenal reloading setup, the Intellidropper offers brand synergy.
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 vs AutoTrickler discussion is about different leagues. The AutoTrickler is a specialist’s tool, often built for unmatched speed and precision, but at a significantly higher cost. The Intellidropper 2.0 is a mass-market solution that delivers 99% of the performance for most reloaders at a fraction of the price. If you’re loading for F-Class or ultimate precision, you might look upmarket. For high-volume precision plinking, hunting, or most competitive shooting, the Intellidropper is more than capable.
It also fits well alongside other efficient tools like a case prep center to create a streamlined workflow. When considering Frankford Arsenal reloading accessories, the ecosystem is becoming quite comprehensive.
Final Verdict: Pros, Cons & Who It’s For
After extensive use, the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 makes a strong case for itself. Its a well-designed, accurate, and user-friendly tool that solves a core reloading challenge.
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistent throws within a few hundredths of a grain meet the needs of precision reloading.
- User-Friendly Operation: The touchscreen and auto-calibration make setup and daily use simple.
- Solid Construction: It feels durable and stable on the bench, reducing vibration issues.
- Helpful Features: Charge verification and the included powder baffle show thoughtful design.
Cons
- AC-Power Only: No battery option limits portability, though this is common for bench tools.
- Moderate Speed: It’s not the fastest dispenser, though the speed is very practical for most users.
- Learning Curve with Fine Powders: Like all measures, it requires technique to manage static with the finest powders.
Who Should Buy the Intellidropper 2.0?
My honest assessment is that this dispenser is ideal for the reloader who values precision but doesn’t want the complexity of manual trickling. It’s perfect for:
- Hunters developing accurate, consistent loads for their rifles.
- Competitive shooters in disciplines like PRS or NRL who need reliable ammo in volume.
- Reloaders upgrading from a manual powder measure who want to enhance their reloading accuracy and efficiency.
- Anyone tired of staring at a manual scale and wants to automate a tedious step.
So, is the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper 2.0 worth it? I honestly believe it is. It delivers on its core promise of precise, automated powder dispensing at a price point that is accessible. It may not have the raw speed of a $1,000+ system, but for the vast majority of shooters, its performance is outstanding. It represents a significant step forward in making high-quality precision dispensing a standard part of the modern reloading bench.
For those encountering specific issues, the broader reloading community on forums like Reddit’s r/reloading is an excellent resource for Intellidropper 2.0 problems and solutions. Whether you’re pairing it with a single-stage like the Frankford Arsenal M-Press or a progressive press, the Intellidropper 2.0 is a tool that will likely become an indispensable part of your process. Honest to goodness, it just makes loading better ammo easier.