LYMAN 55 Powder Thrower

[Gearhead1]

This question go's out to all the lyman 55 users. Does the 55 throw all powders well or do i half to stay away from some powders in it.

[Mk42gunner]

I don't know about all powders, but mine handles small charges of flake powder (Red Dot, Green Dot, etc.) better than the large drum in my RCBS Uniflow. Just watch to make sure you don't create an overhang with the adjusment slides.

Robert

[Gearhead1]

Thanks for the reply, Still haven't made up my mind on the Lyman or the Redding.Need to talk to Pressman.

[rbuck351]

Mine doesn't like large stick powders very well, but what does?

[r1kk1]

http://www.quick-measure.com/

http://www.reloadingroom.com/index_files/JDS%20Measure.htm

I like mine

r1kk1

[cajun shooter]

I have 4 powder measures. A Rcbs, Redding, Lyman 55 and Dillon. The 55 is by far one of the best measures ever made but it is also one of the hardest to learn. Most people who use them don't even know that they have three adjustments available to them. If used correctly you will not have any problems with them. They work great with Black Powder also. Later David

[jeff423]

I've got one and and an RCBS Uniflow. I like them both but if I had to get rid of one it would be the Lyman.

Jeff

[1hole]

The 55 with it's highly adjustable chamber is the most versatile measure on the market. Those who have trouble with mechanical things more complex than pliers may not like it; that's not the measure's fault tho.

[bear67]

I really like mine--been using it so long, I don't remember how long! It does have a learning curve on setting the adjustments, but is good except for big stick powders and you need to check for best rifle loads. I loaded some Savage with 4895 Friday night and checked every 5 drops and it was great for lever action fun at 100 yard loads. I did have to make a new plexiglass cylinder for it after umpteen years.

[selmerfan]

I like my Lyman 55. It wasn't quite as precise as the Belding & Mull that I sold off, but I traded for the B&M straight up for a spare Lyman 55, then tripled my money by selling the B&M. Then I bought a Harrell's precision. LOVE IT! Easier to adjust than the Lyman, but I don't know that it's any more consistent. My one remaining #55 is still on the bench. Looks like a cow turd next to the Harrell's, but I set it up for 12 gr. of Unique and leave it there so that I can quickly load plinking loads for any of my rifles with cast boolits.

[soli]

Bear 67,what did you use for the new cyl. and how did you make it?

[P.K.]

As stated the #55 handles all tasks save the long extruded powders with ease. For those I'll throw a charge weigh and trickle the last to get where I want to be. As Selmerfan stated, I usually leave mine set up for my volume loadings in either .223/5.56 or .45ACP. I'll use my beam/digital with trickler when I find something new to try and add the dope to my logbook if there are results to dial into the #55 at a later date.

[HoosierShooter]

I load for handguns and 2400 meters very well, very little variation. Light loads of Unique sees a little more variation, but close enough for plinking loads.

[salpal48]

I have 6 Lyman 55 dated fron 1955 to 1980 . The key i found with large extruded powders 3031 and alike. is in the Knocker and the correct use of the slides. Try adjusting with only the large bottom and middle slide only if possible. . measure and weigh as close or under as possible. then use the knocker 1 time to compact. then weigh again. then adjust and knock again. Remember every time you knock the powder compress again . so knock once.. Or the same 3 of knock with each load
I always do this and trickle if necessary. I,v learned to weigh every rifle load by hand.
ball powder seems to weigh a little better . it's a matter of experimentation
Sal