The 7 Best Powder Trickler Reviews

Are you looking for the best powder trickier for reloading? Well, you’ve just landed on the right spot.

As a gun enthusiast, making ammunition can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, the process demands more precise reloads. You can use a scooper and tap powder into each cartridge. But the process is tedious, messy, and a lot slower.

Well, a powder trickler makes quick work of the reloading process. Moreover, it adds a powder, a granule or two at a time for more precision. Hence, getting rounds that are much more efficient and accurate has never been easier.

I’ve gotten my hands on the best-rated powder tricklers on the market. But to help you get more value for money, I’ve narrowed it down to seven of the best powder tricklers that deserve the most attention.

7 Best Powder Trickler Reviews

1. Frankford Arsenal Powder Trickler

Key Features

• Stable and durable heavy machined-steel construction
• Non-skid base doubles as a lid to protect your powder from moisture
• A removable base adds more height to fit large scales.
• The large-capacity hopper holds more powder.

Frankford Arsenal powder trickler is among the best in the reloading world. It comes in powder-coated steel, rewarding you with extreme durability.

It doesn’t boast a wider base, at least not like other trickler models out there. But thanks to a thoughtful design, this powder trickler is exceptionally stable.

So, what makes it stable? Well, Frankford Arsenal has a bottom-heavy design and weighs around 1.6 pounds. Moreover, it has a non-slip rubber base. As such, it doesn’t slide away from the scale pan. Also, it takes a pretty good bump to tip it over. Notably, you can dispense the powder without the need to hold on to it with your other hand.

The non-slip rubber base also doubles as a cap when the powder trickler isn’t in use. It snaps perfectly onto the top. With another rubber cap at the end of the spout, it prevents spills and keeps out moisture. Also, the rubber cap base prevents damage to benchtops.

The trickler tube offers a smooth-spinning action. And with a non-slip grip, it turns freely. Though sensitive, it dispenses evenly with each turn, making measuring a whole lot easier.

So, how accurate is the Frankford Arsenal powder trickler? Well, it can dispense discernible amounts, as small as 0.1 grains. So, there’s no fear of over-dispensing. Also, it eliminates the need to remove excess powder from the pan.

Frankford Arsenal does more than dispense accurately. It also dispenses fast. For instance, it can dispense 0.2 grains in as little as 10 seconds.

The tube is just at the right height. It’s high enough to fit almost all powder scales but low enough to keep the pellets from bouncing off the pan.

Well, cleaning residual powder off the bottom of the reservoir can be a bit tricky. But with a cotton swab, it won’t be difficult to get out the last flakes of powder.

Frankford Arsenal works with different powder sizes and types. Also, it’s among the top choices for digital reloading scales.

2. Hornady 050100 Powder Trickler

Key Features

• Lightweight but durable plastic construction
• Extra-wide hollow base can be filled with sand or lead shots for additional stability
• The rubber-coated handle provides better grip and control
• Lifetime warranty against material defects and workmanship

Plastic construction might not be a welcome choice for many. But for the price and purpose, Hornady Powder Trickler doesn’t disappoint.

Of course, it’s a light powder trickler. After all, you don’t expect a ton of weight from light, plastic construction. So, it’s no surprise that it feels a bit flimsy.

But there’s a way you can address stability issues. The base, for instance, comes hollow. Hence, you can fill it with some lead shots for additional stability. Also, the base is wider to prevent tipping.

The hopper isn’t large. Nonetheless, it can hold enough for topping off charges.

I want to commend Hornady for the single rubber O-ring. However, I feel two would be better. All the same, it keeps the tube from moving back and forth. Also, it provides a tight seal to keep the fine powder from oozing out.

It’s so thoughtful of Hornady to include a rubber-coated handle. It provides better grip and control, allowing you to turn the tube freely.

Well, this powder trickler isn’t as tall as other models out there. So, it’s more suitable for small, low-profile digital scales. However, you can add a spacer to reach the pan on large digital scales.

Though plastic, I think Hornady is a pretty durable powder trickler. After all, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

The plastic construction also makes it resistant to rust and corrosion. Also, it’s easy to clean. As for accuracy, Hornady can trickle down powder to tenths of a grain.

3. LEE PRECISION 90058 Perfect Powder Measurer

Key Features

• Accurate and handles large volumes
• Steel metal bracket provides excellent stability
• Thoughtful design works with any kind of scale.
• The micrometer screw allows for minute adjustments.

Lee Precision is a leading manufacturer of reloading equipment. And with over 50 years of experience, its powder measurer doesn’t disappoint.

Well, Lee Precision powder measurer isn’t built heavy-duty. After all, a large chunk comes in plastic. Nonetheless, it lasts long enough to accommodate hundreds of loads. Plus, it’s tough to beat for the price.

The plastic hopper is pretty large and holds more charge in one go. It lifts off easily and comes with a close valve. And with a transparent design, it’s easy to tell how much you’ve put inside.

The drum assembly has some metallic parts to it. Though not rugged, durability isn’t much of an issue. I want to commend Lee Precision for including the steel mounting metal bracket. It’s easy to clamp onto a benchtop for stability.

Lee Precision powder measurer has a micrometer screw. It allows for minute tension adjustments, mainly when working with a very fine powder.

This powder measurer throws incredibly consistent charges with minimal effort. Also, it’s no more than a tenth of a grain off the target. Hence, as the name implies, it guarantees precision measurements.

Lee Precision powder measurer comes disassembled. Nonetheless, it includes an instruction manual for easy setup and a simplified reloading process.

Well, Lee Precision has another powder measurer that supports automatic dropping. But most people don’t reload enough to desire such a feature. Hence, this manual powder measurer is an excellent choice and fits a tight budget.

4. Hornady 0505010 Lock-N-Load Quick Trickle

Key Features

• Heavy cast metal construction
• Accommodates both small precision metering and large volume measurements
• 3:1 gear ratio offers high and low operating speeds
• The heavy base screws in and out for height adjustments

Hornady Lock-N-Load Quick trickle claims to be the smoothest powder dispensing tool. Well, there are valid reasons to support that.

But before then, how’s the build quality? I must say this is a well-built and well-performing powder trickler. Except for the transparent plastic hopper, it boasts heavy-cast metal parts. And with an extra-wide base, it scores highly in both durability and stability.

The geared ball bearing is perhaps the most defining feature. Thanks to a 3:1 gear ratio, it allows you to operate at both high and low speeds. Hence, you can deliver an initial large volume and finish with small precision metering. Aside from operating at variable speeds, the gear ball-bearing drives tracks smoothly.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Quick trickle doesn’t replace scoops. At least not when it’s a question of speed. Nonetheless, it throws grains faster than a conventional powder trickler.

The plastic hopper comes on and off with ease. Plus, it comes with a lid to protect your powder from moisture.

The tube is threaded on the inside. So, unlike smooth tubes, it pushes grains faster. Also, the grains are less likely to slide down the tube, even at an angle. And with rubber O-rings, the tube offers a tight seal and doesn’t slide back and forth.

Notably, the base screws in and out. Hence, you can set the height of the tube accordingly for both high-profile and low-profile reloading scales.

Though cleaning is a bit tricky, the exceptional performance and build quality far outweigh such shortcomings.

5. RCBS Powder Trickler – 9089

Key Features

• Cast aluminum construction
• Bottom-heavy skid-proof base
• Tube extension doubles the length
• A screwed-on base allows you to adjust the height

RCBS boasts many years of reloading history. Plus, it has cemented its place among the leading manufacturers of precision reloading equipment. Well, the RCBS powder trickler is among its best inventions.

It’s an updated version of the original model. Hence, it brings some useful extras to speed up and make the reloading process more convenient.

RCBS is a heavy-duty powder trickler. Cast aluminum construction combines durability and stability. Moreover, it lends a premium look.

The tube extension is a huge plus over the original model. It doubles the overall length to extend the reach of the nozzle. On the whole, it extends approximately 3 inches from the face of the hopper.

Aside from the tube extension, it has threads on the inside. Hence, it pushes the grains forward as you twist the tube. Also, the tube has a non-slip handle. As such, it provides better grip and control.

RCBS trickler has a weighted base. But unlike your weighted average base, it stays still. And with a skid-resistant design, it gives great stability to the entire unit.

An elevation screw is built into the base. Hence, you can adjust the height to fit both small and large reloading scales. Overall, it provides an additional height of about one inch.

6. Redding Reloading Model No. 5 Powder Trickler

Key Features

• Solid steel construction
• Rust-resistant painted surface
• Ideal height for most scales

Redding reloading powder trickler feels heavy and solid out of the box. And as far as durability goes, it ranks among the best on the market.

But how durable and stable is this powder trickler? Well, let me break it down for you. Except for the aluminum tube, Redding powder trickler is pretty much a full pound of solid steel. Plus, it has a stable, low center of gravity.

So, this is a powder trickler that can last a lifetime. Also, it will take a good bump to tip it over. And with the painted surface, it will remain rust-resistant for quite a long while.

The aluminum tube doesn’t have an extension. But at 1.5 inches, it still offers a generous reach. Also, the last ½-inch of the tube is threaded. As such, it moves the powder granule by granule as you rotate.

Redding doesn’t provide anything for height adjustments. But at 1-9/16 inches, the tube is high enough for most powder scales. Also, the tube has a rubber O-ring to keep it in one place.

Well, easy cleaning is a bit tricky for most powder tricklers. But for Redding, it’s not much of an issue. You can fill and empty it after use.

7. bLyman The E-Zee

Key Features

• Extra-wide weighed-down base
• Adjustable for different height scales
• Threaded tube extension gives more reach on scales with extra-wide platforms.
• Angled tube speeds up the reloading process.

Lyman E-Zee powder trickler comes in both metal and plastic. However, I’d say a huge chunk comes in plastic. But for what it’s worth, this powder trickler works pretty well. Besides, it can last you hundreds of loads.

The hopper comes in plastic. What I like best is the wider mouth that makes it fast and easy to refill.

The base also comes in plastic. It’s extra-wide and weighed down with a rubber pad. Hence, it feels very stable and doesn’t slide around.

I want to commend Lyman for the adjustable height.  It comes in handy, particularly for different height scales.

Well, Lyman offers more than height adjustments. It also has an extension that threads onto the aluminum tube. At 5-6 inches, it provides one of the longest reaches for a powder trickler.

Such a level of adjustment makes this powder trickler more versatile. It can work with any scale, whether electronic or mechanical. Moreover, it can reach wide platforms and extremely high bases.

Lyman E-Zee powder trickler is as accurate as it’s versatile. You won’t have any problem trickling a single grain of powder at a time. Also, the tube is angled to speed up the reloading process.

Best Powder Tricklers: Complete Guide

Stability

You don’t want a product that tips or slides around during use. So, it would help if you chose a solid powder trickler with a stable base. Also, it should maintain stability, even when adjusting the height. Overall, a heavy design or an extra-wide base should be a top priority.

Durability

Of course, you want to benefit the most out of your hard-earned cash. That said, you don’t want a product that lasts only a couple of months. Instead, you want a powder trickler that will be around for many years to come.

Heavy-duty materials, such as cast aluminum and steel, are preferred for consistent reloading sessions. You can settle for plastic, but ensure it’s heavy-duty.

Accuracy

Accuracy plays center stage. After all, you want precise powder measurements, up to a fraction of a grain. It not only ensures accuracy but also eliminates waste. A product with fine-tuned settings will be a huge plus.

Capacity

How much can the powder trickler hold? It’s a crucial question, particularly when you do lots of cartridges at one time. Overall, you want a product that holds a high volume of powder if you reload more often. It will help save you the extra work.

Adjustable Height

It’s not a must-have. But it comes in handy when working with different powder scales. Being able to raise or lower the height allows you to use the powder trickler with any scale.

Ease of Cleaning

It helps to buy a powder trickler that’s easy to clean. It comes in handy, particularly when using different types of powder at a time.

Brand

There are brands out there with a reputation for quality and precision. And with years of experience, they allow you to buy with confidence. Some of the top brands I recommend include RCBS, Lee Precision, Hornady, Lyman, and Frankford Arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What’s the best powder trickler?

Answer: All the products on the list will have a positive impact on your reloading process. Nonetheless, I recommend Frankford Arsenal as the best powder trickler on the market.

It’s extremely heavy-duty and with a large powder capacity. Also, Frankford Arsenal rewards you with extreme precision and has caps that protect your powder when not in use.

Question: What’s the fastest powder trickler?

Answer: Well, Hornady Lock-N-Load Quick Trickle is easily the fastest. It has an advanced gear mechanism that spins the tube up to three times faster. Hence, it trickles more granules in a given time.

Question: How do you determine the optimum powder load?

Answer: Well, any serious reloader will tell you that the right amount of powder is essential in producing accurate results. And every bullet type demands a specific amount of powder. So, how do you get around these?

I’d recommend finding the right load recipe that prescribes a specific powder to get the optimum powder load. You can check online for powder load data that’s specific to your caliber.

Some of the best reloading manuals include Lyman 50th Edition, Hornady 99240 10th Edition, and Lee Precision 2nd Edition.

Conclusion

Making ammunition can be a bit tricky. It demands that you trickle the powder with extreme precision. It would also help if you did so at an excellent pace to speed up the reloading process. Well, the above best powder tricklers will help you achieve that and much more. Not only do they guarantee speed and precision, but they are also durable, stable, and from world-class brands that you can trust.

But before you leave, please use the comments section to let us know which powder trickler you find the best.