Automatic Powder Dispensers

[knight0334]

Any of you with experience with those electric power dispensers/scales? I did a quick Amazon search lastnite, saw about 4 different brands. RCBS($430), Franklin Arsenal($175), Intellidropper($175), and RD Exquisite($150).

Any personal experience with any of those, or of any other brand not mentioned?

RCBS is a long time brand, but I'm doubting the price justification between it and the next (2) cheaper models. All seem to be within 0.1+/- grains if properly calibrated before dispensing - and I'm assuming some variation for specific gravity of your location.

The RD Exquisite seems to have the worst reviews. Tentatively I'm leaning towards the Franklin Arsenal. But would like to hear yinz' experience.

My (2) scale beams have seen better days, and my nerves in my arms aren't what they used to be(shakes, numbness, etc). I still intend to batch sample with the beams for accuracy.

[guncollector]

I have the Franklin Arsenal and it works well. There's an app they have you can use to store your data then send that data to the scale to start dispensing the powder. You have to go thru a calibration process each time you change powders since it could be ball, extruded etc and they meter differently. The scale has a repeat mode and counts the number of loads dispensed. It's extremely accurate but much slower than RCBS uniflow manual powder measure. All in all I would say its as good as the more expensive units. I have had mine around 2 years or so and so far no issues.

I'll be happy to answer any specific questions you might have.
Franklin app.jpg

[Walleye Hunter]

I got a second hand, unused RCBS off of a member here a couple of years ago and I like it. That $430 sounds steep though.

[DukeConnor]

I have 2 RCBS and I love them. If they break I will buy 2 more.

[knight0334]

Thank you all!

I also see that Hornady makes one as well.

The all have had some -neg reviews, some more than others. Going by the averages, seem like they are in this order from best to worst: RCBS, Hornady, Franklin Arsenal, Intellidropper, RD Exquisite - basically reflecting their price range from high to low.

Still looking for any other makes out there. I want to get something, and with a quarterly bonus coming soon - probably a good time with hunting season sales coming on pretty soon.

I don't need high speed dispensing because I'm sure at even the slowest rate is faster than me doing it by scooper and hand-trickling the last few grains in a pan on my beam scales.

[Walleye Hunter]

I looked at what's available today and the one that I have is not the $430 RCBS, it's more like $300. It works fine for me.

[GUNGUY45]

I have the Lyman DPS1200.
It's sensitive to drafts, but then so is a beam scale.

It's slow, but if you use an "old school" powder dispenser, set a little low, then use the electronic to trickle, it works fine.

[Brick]

My son gave me an RCBS for Christmas a while back! Use it for rifle loads. Set it level calibrate it correctly and I runs like a dream! Makes working up loads for testing a snap!

[knight0334]

Thank you all who has replied. Still welcoming more responses!

I'm thinking this upcoming paycheck will be my quarterly "bonus"(payout for producing more than my wages paid). Looking at getting something for powder measure. ...then probably a .22RF pistol for the old lady to plink with, some reloading dies and supplies, and me a new something(gotta review the gun bucket list).

[northny]

I have RCBS unit. Fast and accurate. Occasionally throws a .1 overcharge but warns you it did. I like it a lot. You tube videos give you advice on programming settings to make it faster and have less over throws

That said I have a few Frankfort Arsenal products that all seem quality made,and for that price differential I would try them