The RCBS Powder Trickler-2: The Pursuit of Perfection in Ammunition Reloading

The pursuit of perfection in ammunition reloading is a journey shared by dedicated handloaders, precision shooters, and competitive marksmen. At the heart of this quest lies the critical need for consistent, precise powder charges. While automated dispensers and volumetric measures provide excellent starting points, achieving the absolute finest levels of accuracy often demands a more nuanced approach. This is where a precision instrument like the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 becomes indispensable.

Unlocking Unparalleled Precision in Handloading

Are you a discerning handloader aiming for tighter groups at the range? Do you spend hours meticulously crafting ammunition, only to wonder if your powder charges are truly as consistent as they could be? For anyone who understands that every single kernel of gunpowder can influence the trajectory and terminal performance of a bullet, the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 is an essential tool. It’s designed to provide the ultimate in fine-tuning for your powder charges, ensuring that each round you produce is as identical as possible to the last. This level of precision translates directly into superior accuracy, reduced shot-to-shot variation, and ultimately, a more satisfying and effective shooting experience.

What problem does the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 solve for reloaders?

The core challenge in handloading is achieving absolute consistency, especially with powder charges. While high-quality powder measures are excellent for dispensing bulk charges, they often leave you slightly under or over the target weight by a few tenths of a grain. Manually adding powder can be tedious and prone to error. The RCBS Powder Trickler-2 bridges this gap, allowing you to incrementally add individual kernels of powder to reach your exact desired charge weight. This precision is vital for:

• Maximizing Accuracy: Even tiny variations in powder charge can lead to significant differences in muzzle velocity and point of impact, especially at longer distances. A trickler ensures your ballistic consistency.
• Optimizing Load Development: When you're "working up" a load – finding the most accurate powder charge for a specific bullet and firearm combination – the ability to make minute adjustments is paramount. The trickler facilitates this scientific approach.
• Reducing Powder Waste: Instead of having to remove an entire charge because it's slightly over, you can add just enough to hit the mark, saving valuable components.
• Enhancing Safety: Consistent charges contribute to predictable pressures, which is a key component of safe reloading practices. While a trickler doesn't compensate for gross errors, it fine-tunes an already safe practice.

Who Needs an RCBS Powder Trickler-2?

This tool isn't just for seasoned professionals; it's for anyone who values the quality and performance of their handloaded ammunition.

• Competitive Shooters (Benchrest, F-Class, PRS/NRL, Bullseye): In disciplines where fractions of an inch matter, every variable must be controlled. A trickler is a standard piece of equipment for these athletes.
• Long-Range Hunters: For ethical shots at extended distances, predictable bullet performance is non-negotiable.
• Hobbyist Handloaders: If you enjoy the meticulous nature of reloading and seek to improve your skills and the quality of your ammunition, a trickler elevates your game.
• New Reloaders: Learning to achieve precise charges from the outset sets a strong foundation for future reloading endeavors.

Key Features and Design Excellence

The RCBS 9089 Powder Trickler-2 exemplifies thoughtful design and robust construction, embodying the brand's commitment to quality in reloading equipment.

• Universal Compatibility: This trickler is engineered to work seamlessly with virtually any powder scale on the market, whether it’s a traditional beam scale or a modern digital scale. Its adjustable height allows it to be positioned perfectly alongside your scale pan, ensuring effortless powder transfer.
• Ambidextrous Design: Recognizing that reloaders come from all walks of life, the Powder Trickler-2 features an ambidextrous design. The large, knurled knob used to dispense powder can be easily operated by both right-handed and left-handed individuals, promoting comfort and efficiency for every user.
• Stable, Weighted Base: Stability is paramount when dealing with minute powder adjustments. The trickler boasts a heavy, weighted base that prevents accidental tipping or movement during operation. This solid foundation ensures that your precision work remains undisturbed.
• Fine-Tuning Capability: The trickler’s mechanism is designed for ultra-fine adjustments. With each turn of the knob, a tiny, controlled amount of powder is released, often just a few kernels at a time. This allows for incredibly precise adjustments, bringing your powder charge to within 0.1 to 0.05 grains of your target weight.
• Durable Construction: Built with the legendary RCBS quality, the Powder Trickler-2 is constructed from durable materials designed to withstand years of heavy use. Its simple yet effective design minimizes potential points of failure, ensuring reliable performance for countless reloading sessions.

How Does the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 Enhance Your Reloading Process?

Imagine you’ve just thrown a powder charge with your volumetric measure. Your digital scale reads 42.6 grains, but your target is 42.8 grains. Instead of pouring it all back and trying again, or carefully nudging it with a scoop, you place your scale pan under the trickler. A gentle turn of the trickler knob, and a few kernels drop into the pan. The scale ticks up: 42.7. Another small turn, 42.8. Perfect. This controlled, incremental addition is the magic of the trickler.

This method not only saves time and reduces frustration but also instills confidence in your ammunition. You know, with certainty, that each charge is exactly where it needs to be, contributing to consistent muzzle velocities, reduced extreme spreads (ES), and lower standard deviations (SD) – critical metrics for accuracy.

Setting Up and Using Your RCBS Powder Trickler-2 for Optimal Results

Getting started with your RCBS Powder Trickler-2 is straightforward, but a few tips can optimize its performance:

• Placement is Key: Position the trickler directly next to your powder scale, ensuring the output spout is just above the rim of your scale pan. The adjustable height allows for perfect alignment.
• Stable Surface: Always work on a level, sturdy workbench or reloading bench. Any wobbles can affect your scale readings and the trickler's stability.
• Initial Charge: Begin by dispensing your primary powder charge with a volumetric measure or an automated dispenser. Aim for a weight slightly under your target charge (e.g., 0.2-0.5 grains under).
• Trickle Up: Place the scale pan with the slightly under-charged powder onto your scale. Now, slowly turn the trickler's knob, observing the scale's reading. Add individual kernels until you reach your precise target weight.
• Patience and Observation: For the best results, take your time. Allow the scale to stabilize after each tiny addition, especially with sensitive digital scales. Beam scales benefit from a moment to settle.
• Cleanliness: Keep your trickler clean from powder residue. A small brush or compressed air can help maintain its smooth operation.

A Legacy of Quality: The RCBS Brand

RCBS has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, synonymous with quality, innovation, and durability. Their products are designed by reloaders, for reloaders, and the Powder Trickler-2 is no exception. When you invest in an RCBS product, you’re not just buying a tool; you're buying into a legacy of precision and reliability that supports your pursuit of reloading excellence. This commitment to quality is why RCBS tools, including the Powder Trickler-2, are often recommended by experienced reloaders and found on the benches of competitive shooters worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions about Powder Tricklers

Many handloaders wonder about the value and application of a powder trickler. Here are answers to some common questions:

• Is a powder trickler really necessary? For basic plinking ammunition, perhaps not. But for any reloading where accuracy and consistency are paramount – such as hunting, competitive shooting, or precision load development – a trickler is invaluable. It provides a level of precision that is difficult to achieve otherwise.
• Can I use it with any type of powder? Yes, the RCBS Powder Trickler-2 works effectively with all common types of smokeless powder, including flake, ball, and extruded (stick) powders. Its design is particularly beneficial for extruded powders, which can be challenging to meter perfectly due to their shape.
• How does it compare to an automatic powder dispenser? An automatic dispenser is excellent for throwing bulk charges quickly and consistently. A trickler complements it by allowing you to take that near-perfect charge and make it absolutely perfect. Many serious reloaders use both: the dispenser for the initial charge, and the trickler for the final, precise adjustment.
• How much does precision matter? In precision shooting, even a few tenths of a grain difference in powder can alter the muzzle velocity enough to shift the point of impact by an inch or more at 100 yards, and significantly more at longer ranges. For extreme long-range or competitive shooting, this level of consistency is non-negotiable.

Elevate Your Reloading Craft

The RCBS Powder Trickler-2 is more than just an accessory; it's an investment in the accuracy and consistency of your handloaded ammunition. It represents the final step in achieving truly optimized powder charges, ensuring that every round you craft contributes to tighter groups, improved ballistic performance, and ultimately, greater success in your shooting endeavors. For those committed to the art and science of reloading, this tool stands as a testament to the pursuit of perfection. All RCBS products, including this indispensable Powder Trickler-2, are readily available at DEGuns, your trusted source for high-quality reloading equipment.

Product Specifications Summary

Feature	Description
Product Name	RCBS Powder Trickler-2
Manufacturer	RCBS
Part Number	9089
UPC	076683908902
Compatibility	Works with virtually all powder scales (beam and digital)
Operation	Ambidextrous, fine-tuning knob
Base	Weighted for stability
Function	Allows incremental addition of individual powder kernels for precise charges
Benefits	Enhances accuracy, consistency, load development, reduces powder waste
Ideal User	Precision handloaders, competitive shooters, hunters, anyone seeking extreme accuracy
Availability	Available through DEGuns (deguns.com)