What is the Best Powder Funnel - Area 419 Powder Funnel vs. Hardcore Gear Powder Funnel
I tried to find a direct comparison between these two funnels, but I could not find anything, so I thought I would make my own.
I started to get into reloading about a year ago and had trouble finding a well-built funnel that fit properly on a cartridge's neck and did not spill or have powder hang up on the funnel. After doing a lot of research, there were two candidates for the best funnel award; the Area 419 Powder Funnel or the Precision Hardcore Gear (formally known as XTreme Hardcore Gear) Funnel.
Both Funnels are well designed, are made from aluminum, and are caliber specific to allow quick and easy powder drops into the cartridge.
The main difference between the two funnels is that the Area 419 Powder funnel uses a universal funnel that comes with easy to change caliber-specific adapters that screw onto the funnel's bottom. In contrast, each of the Precision Hardcore Gear funnels is caliber specific. Cost-wise, there is no significant difference between the two funnels, and both are easy to store when not in use.
The Precision Hardcore Gear funnel is a one-piece funnel that sits brilliantly on top of the cartridge you are loading. The funnel is secure on the cartridge's neck, and because it has a low center of gravity, it sits securely even if you are using a universal loading block.
I found this extremely handy when loading 223/5.56 round while using a universal loading block. The funnel did not try to fall over, and it made powder drop easy.
The Area 419 Powder funnel I thought has a tighter fit on the brass than the Precision Hardcore Gear funnel. Still, because it sits higher on the brass because of the changeable adapters, it tends to tip over when using a smaller caliber in a universal loading block. I had no problem when using a caliber specific block.
After using both funnels to load approximately 500 rounds of 223/5.56, I soon found that I preferred the Area 419 Powder funnel due to the funnel design. Both are well made and have polished aluminum funnel walls that let the powder drop quickly into the brass. Still, because the Precision Hardcore Gear funnel is entirely smooth, it tends to allow the powder to splash over the side if you dumped the powder too quickly. The Area 419 Powder funnel has small ridges on the funnel walls, which slows the powder down and prevents powder splash.
If you are a more patient person than I am and do not have caliber-specific loading blocks, my vote would be for the Precision Hardcore Gear funnel. They are well-made funnels, and they will not disappoint you.
If you are a serious reloader and are looking for the best equipment to have on your bench, then order the Area 419 Powder Funnel. The design is fantastic, and they also offer a drop tube to attach to the funnel. There are limited dealers in Canada for the Area 419 Powder funnel, but I could order off of Brownells without a ridiculous shipping charge.
Happy reloading!
