Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure Review

Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure aims to provide reloaders with a precise and consistent way to dispense powder, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of their reloading process. Frankford Arsenal designed this powder measure to be a static-free, bench-mounted solution, compatible with a wide range of calibers, from .22 to .50. With features like micro-adjustable dispensing and ball-bearing operation, it promises smooth and accurate performance for both novice and experienced reloaders.

My journey to acquiring the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure stemmed from a need for greater consistency in my reloads. I was tired of the fluctuations I experienced with my older, less precise powder dispensing methods, and I yearned for a system that could consistently deliver accurate powder charges, especially for my precision rifle loads. I was looking for something that would help me reduce the variables in my reloading process.

Upon unboxing the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure, I was initially impressed by the solid feel of the aluminum body. The black finish gave it a professional look, and the weight of 8.1 lbs suggested a sturdy build quality. The hopper design was unique, and I was hopeful that it would indeed eliminate powder bridging and binding as advertised.

I considered the Hornady Lock-N-Load Powder Measure and the RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure before ultimately choosing the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure. The Frankford Arsenal model seemed to offer a balance of features and affordability, promising micro-adjustability and a static-free body. The other models were either significantly more expensive or lacked the specific features I was looking for.

My first impression was a mixture of excitement and cautious optimism. While the build quality appeared solid, I was eager to put it to the test and see if it could live up to the claims of accuracy and consistent dispensing. I was particularly keen to see how it handled different types of powders.

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

First Use Experience

I first tested the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure at my home reloading bench, using a variety of powders commonly used in rifle and handgun reloading. I specifically used IMR4350, IMR7828SSC, H4831SC, and CFEBLK. The ambient temperature was around 70°F with low humidity, providing ideal conditions for consistent powder measurements.

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure had issues. The larger, stick powders (IMR4350, IMR7828SSC, and H4831SC) consistently clogged the dispensing mechanism, resulting in incomplete and inconsistent throws. CFEBLK, a fine-grained powder, dispensed relatively smoothly but exhibited a slight leakage, indicating a potential issue with the seal or tolerance of the dispensing components.

The initial setup was straightforward, but getting consistent throws required significant fiddling. The micro-adjustment feature, while present, didn’t seem to offer the precision I expected. This added a frustrating layer of complexity to what should have been a simple process.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, my initial concerns about the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure were unfortunately confirmed. The clogging issue with larger stick powders persisted. This severely limited its usability for many of my preferred rifle loads.

Despite diligent cleaning and maintenance, the leakage issue with fine-grained powders remained a problem. Small amounts of powder would consistently escape around the dispensing drum, creating a mess and potentially affecting the accuracy of the throws. The aluminum body showed no signs of wear and tear, but the internal components seemed prone to powder buildup.

Compared to my older RCBS Uniflow (which I was trying to replace), the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure proved disappointing in terms of versatility and consistency. While the Frankford Arsenal model had some innovative design features, its performance fell short of expectations, especially with larger stick powders. My old dispenser, although less feature-rich, proved more reliable and versatile.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure boasts several specifications that contribute to its intended functionality:

• Aluminum Body: A static-free aluminum body is intended to minimize static cling, ensuring consistent powder flow.
• .22 – .50 Caliber Compatibility: The measure is designed to handle a wide range of calibers, from .22 to .50, offering versatility to reloaders.
• Unique Hopper Shape: The hopper’s design is specifically shaped to prevent powder bridging and binding, promoting consistent powder feeding.
• Micro Adjustable Dispensing: This allows for fine-tuning of powder charges, providing increased accuracy and repeatability.
• Ball Bearing Operation: The powder drum rides on ball bearings for smooth and effortless operation, enhancing the user experience.
• Bench Mount Plate: A bench mounting plate is included for secure and stable installation, ensuring consistent dispensing.

These specifications are intended to provide a versatile, accurate, and user-friendly powder dispensing experience. The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure is designed to meet the needs of reloaders working with various calibers and powder types. However, my personal experience suggests that its real-world performance doesn’t always align with these specs, particularly with larger stick powders.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure’s performance is a mixed bag. It struggles with larger stick powders due to clogging, but handles fine-grained powders with relative smoothness, albeit with some leakage.

Its main strength is its micro-adjustable dispensing feature, which should allow for precise powder charges. However, the inconsistent performance undermines this potential. The powder measure falls short of expectations, especially when compared to other models in a similar price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure features a static-free aluminum body. This is intended to reduce static cling, aiding in consistent powder flow, but its internal design suffers from a critical flaw: the hole at the bottom of the drum is far too small.

The design looks promising on paper, with its unique hopper shape and smooth ball-bearing operation. This makes the small dispensing hole an egregious oversight. The learning curve is minimal, but the inconsistent performance makes it frustrating to use.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum body suggests reasonable durability. It should withstand normal use on a reloading bench, but the internal components are potentially prone to wear due to powder residue and friction.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning to prevent powder buildup. However, the leakage issue indicates a potential design flaw that may require frequent attention. This leads to a higher-than-expected maintenance burden.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure comes with a bench mounting plate for secure installation. Frankford Arsenal also advertises a handgun powder drum, sold separately.

I am unaware of any other accessories or modifications available for the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure. This limits the user’s ability to customize or enhance its functionality. The inclusion of a bench mounting plate is a welcome addition, but the lack of other customization options is a drawback.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

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Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure?

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure might be suitable for reloaders who primarily work with fine-grained powders, such as CFEBLK, and require a bench-mounted dispensing system. It could also serve as a very basic entry-level powder measure for those on an extremely tight budget, with the understanding that it may require significant tweaking and may not handle all powder types effectively.

Reloaders working with larger stick powders or those seeking a reliable and versatile powder dispensing system should avoid this product. Seasoned reloaders or those prioritizing precision and consistency would be better served by investing in a higher-quality powder measure from a more reputable brand. A must-have modification would be enlarging the dispensing hole, though this would void any warranty and may not fully address the clogging and leakage issues.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure

The Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure presents a promising concept with its static-free aluminum body, micro-adjustable dispensing, and wide caliber compatibility. However, its real-world performance falls short of expectations due to significant limitations. The clogging issue with larger stick powders and the leakage problem with fine-grained powders severely impact its usability and reliability.

Given its inconsistent performance and limited versatility, the price of $68.45 does not seem justified. There are other powder measures on the market that offer better performance and reliability at a similar or slightly higher price point. I cannot personally recommend the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure based on my experiences.

While the Frankford Arsenal Bench Top Powder Measure may seem like an attractive option for reloaders on a budget, its flaws ultimately outweigh its potential benefits. Invest in a more reliable and versatile powder measure to ensure consistent and accurate reloads. Save yourself the frustration and invest in a better tool for the job.