Lyman 55?

[Texas by God]

I was able to get this powder measure at the LGS( bargain bin) for $20.
I think that it’s a Lyman55, but there are no markings at all on it.
I had one years ago with a turret press that took 310 dies- but they were Lyman Orange.
I tested it today using it in the PTE die(that explains the Teflon tape)- and it works perfectly. I checked the weight of every tenth throw and it stayed constant for 50 rounds of .40 S&W.
Is it a Lyman?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230705/ce606e976e055fee486fbe95680ccb41.jpg


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[Shawlerbrook]

Yes, it’s a Lyman 55. Came in orange and gray

[gpidaho]

TBG I have a couple of the Lyman 55s, one orange and one gray. I find them to be very accurate for small charges. One of mine is dedicated to loading 32 ACP. Gp

[Texas by God]

Thank you both!
Yes, this one will be for small charges.
I use my ancient Redding for rifle size charges.


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[Green Frog]

It shines at small charges. If you use just the top or top two slides you can control small chambers that will drop consistent charges. I have several and for a long time they were sort of the standard found on most shooter’s benches.
Froggie

[John Guedry]

That's what I started with and still use.

[kungfustyle]

Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6CAg2VEeKc at about 12 minutes he uses a funnel. Do the same and you'll love the powder measure.

[metricmonkeywrench]

Nice Grab- Have one on the bench and its my general go to except for .45acp, none of the drop tubes i have seem to fit over the case the way I like. Though i have the drop tube adaptor i have yet to set it up on my all American press. I believe someone about was making 3D printed adaptors so you wouldn't need the Teflon tape for the powder thru dies.

I can get it set up way faster the the green ones up on the shelf.

I believe they just discontinued this version in favor of a more "modern" design.

[beemer]

Found it's twin about a month ago, of all places in the bargain bin at my local gun store for $20. The lid was missing, found a plastic screw on lid that was a friction fit. I also found it was great for small charges.

[reloader X]

You used to be able to order parts for these but no more..not even a stinkin hopper..

[farmerjim]

I bought one from my neighbor 55 years ago when he got out of reloading. The plastic hopper cracked and I replaced it with a threaded copper pipe. It still works fine.

[Mk42gunner]

Lyman used to sell, and may still, an adapter to mount that in a 7/8-14 hole, such as on most presses. I couldn't find it in a quick look at their website, but they it is possible still make it.

Robert

[gwpercle]

Operational Tip : Set the slides to form a single narrow , deep cavity .
The more narrow the powder cavity is, then the less cutting of powder flakes / granuals / sticks will occur by the brass measure slide as it rotates .
#2 . Develop a consistent tapping technique to insure the narrow , deep powder cavity gets filled complwtwly and consistently .

The least accurate way to set the powder slide is to create a wide , shallow cavity that lets a lot of powder flakes get cut when the handle is rotated ...avoid this method of setting .

Practice your tapping and settling technique and handle operation until you have it perfected and the 55 will deliver surprisingly accurate powder drops ... even with Flakey old Unique !
Gary

[azjohn]

Part number is 7392036. Lyman shows out of stock. Midway has it. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011239147

[pworley1]

The first powder measure I bought was one of those. I bought it in the early 70's and it is still in use. I have put many more of them in use over the years. They are great for small charges.

[Tall]

Mine is a dandy for small calibers like 32 S&W Long with charges like 2 grains of W231. Bought it used on eBay for about twice what the OP paid. Still happy with it.

[Shawlerbrook]

I am guessing Lyman discontinued the 55 because of the high cost of manufacturing. It is surprising that you can still find used ones relatively cheap.

[Teddy (punchie)]

They Lyman made a few different ones. The black or darker colors were sometimes for black powder. If I recall the scale of number were different.

The adapters should be around if having trouble PM me. I should have a bunch somewhere.

[Teddy (punchie)]

Found it's twin about a month ago, of all places in the bargain bin at my local gun store for $20. The lid was missing, found a plastic screw on lid that was a friction fit. I also found it was great for small charges.

Beemer

What type of lid? I have a few of these and I know I need lids.

Thanks, Teddy

[beemer]

Beemer

What type of lid? I have a few of these and I know I need lids.

Thanks, Teddy

It was the lid off a one lb. plastic can for Accurate powder. I had to knock the top off the threads slightly to adjust for fit.

[Texas by God]

Part number is 7392036. Lyman shows out of stock. Midway has it. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1011239147

Thanks for the link!
Old as I am and I didn’t know these existed. I used to have a cigar box full of 310 dies and I could have used that bushing!


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[David2011]

The powder reservoir tube on my 55 was cracked so I called Lyman and ordered a one pound tube to replace it. This was too many years ago to recall the details. The lady at Lyman said that she didn’t know it would fit. Pretty sure I read that it would here. Seems like I warmed the tube with a heat gun GENTLY before screwing it into the measure.

[higgins]

I got one for $15 at a gun show. It needed some work with Kroil and fine steel wool to smooth the rotor and get the slides to move freely, but it finally cleaned up well and I regularly use it. Of course it didn't have a lid but that's no big deal to me since I mount it for use, adjust for desired weight, and start charging cases. If it had a lid I wouldn't put it on the measure in my normal routine since I'm pouring powder back in the hopper after checking weights, and adding powder as needed. Since I normally don't load large numbers of handgun rounds at one time I don't leave powder in the hopper after I'm through. It's stored in a closed cabinet so doesn't get dirty between uses.

When I started loading back in the 1960s I ordered Lyman neck sizing dies and received 310 dies in .243 and .270. The catalog said the bushings were needed for the neck sizing dies so I got a couple of them back then.

[faraim]

Sir, you have a fine powder measure. If you look on the bottom of the measuring cylinder you’ll find the measurements for black powder. I believe they are in drams. I’ve had better luck measuring coarse powders, such as Red Dot and Unique with my Lyman 55 than with my Redding Match Grade measures. Those old fashioned, bulky powders seem to work better with the odd rectangular opening than with the cylindrical inserts. I use my Reddings with the modern powders that have turnip seed sized granules.

[swamp]

I took a look at my 55 and it has grain and dram scales. Never noticed that before. Thanks for the heads up.
swamp

[Texas by God]

I got to use it for the first time yesterday.
It had no problem dispensing 3.5 grs of Red Dot.
I checked it with the powder scale twice during the 150 case session- it held fast.
Thanks for the help on understanding the adjustments!


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[rayh]

Thanks for posting the Lyman 7/8 x 310 adapter, been loading since the late 60's and can't recall seeing these. I have several of the 55's. I've add the Hornady LNL adapter to my Redding measurers, now I can put a LNL, w/the Lyman adapter, on the Lyman's. I have the Hornady powder stand mounted on a Inline Fab plate. Helps keep my small bench clean yet quick to set up.

[trapper9260]

That video helps alot for me , will help with the problems I been having to get the right charge to stay .

[Char-Gar]

I bought my first one in 1958 and now have ten.

[dogrunner]

Beemer

What type of lid? I have a few of these and I know I need lids.

Thanks, Teddy

I believe the small RCBS hopper lid will work on that Lyman............RCBS' earlier versions were of smaller diameter than the current stuff.

[Texas by God]

I really like this measure. I loaded 110 rounds of .223 with SW AR Plus ball powder and it stayed consistent throughout three scale checks.


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[Tim357]

Operational Tip : Set the slides to form a single narrow , deep cavity .
The more narrow the powder cavity is, then the less cutting of powder flakes / granuals / sticks will occur by the brass measure slide as it rotates .
#2 . Develop a consistent tapping technique to insure the narrow , deep powder cavity gets filled complwtwly and consistently .

The least accurate way to set the powder slide is to create a wide , shallow cavity that lets a lot of powder flakes get cut when the handle is rotated ...avoid this method of setting .

Practice your tapping and settling technique and handle operation until you have it perfected and the 55 will deliver surprisingly accurate powder drops ... even with Flakey old Unique !
Gary

^^^^^this^^^^^

[Char-Gar]

A few years ago I bought a pair of "powder measure weights" from a guy who made and sold them on Ebay. They are a big help in throwing consistent powder charges.

[Char-Gar]

They Lyman made a few different ones. The black or darker colors were sometimes for black powder. If I recall the scale of number were different.

The adapters should be around if having trouble PM me. I should have a bunch somewhere.

The Lyman family sold the company in 1970 to Leisure Group. That was when the color was changed from orange to grey. Later after another company bought it, they went back to orange, but it was not the same shade as the original Lyman Orange. Leisure Group did sell f black powder version with a high capacity brass hopper and a very long drop tube.

The Lyman 55 was introduced in 1946 and was an improved version of the older Ideal No. 5. The 55 evolved during it's time with the Lyman family. The original version didn't have the screw adjustments to the slide, a spring attached drop tube and an aluminum cap. These changes did not happen at one time, but over the course of some years. I have one of every variation and they all still work like a champ.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

The Lyman family sold the company in 1970 to Leisure Group. That was when the color was changed from orange to grey. Later after another company bought it, they went back to orange, but it was not the same shade as the original Lyman Orange. Leisure Group did sell f black powder version with a high capacity brass hopper and a very long drop tube.

The Lyman 55 was introduced in 1946 and was an improved version of the older Ideal No. 5. The 55 evolved during it's time with the Lyman family. The original version didn't have the screw adjustments to the slide, a spring attached drop tube and an aluminum cap. These changes did not happen at one time, but over the course of some years. I have one of every variation and they all still work like a champ.

The leasure group was a disaster. It took 14 companies into bankruptcy.

[atr]

Replenish, i.e., keep the hopper at about the same level after every 10-15 throws. If you are pushing maximum loads then I suggest using a trickle-charger to bring the load to maximum if the lyman measure should prove not accurate enough.

[j4570]

You can get 2” rubber caps at Amazon:

(Pack of 4) SBDs 2 Inch Round Black Vinyl End Caps, Flexible Push-On Pipe Post Rubber Covers | All Caps 1" Deep for a Snug Fit | Made in USA by Caplugs https://a.co/d/9fBLxDh

[lightload]

I lost a screw off my Lyman 55. It's one of the two screws that must be loosened to adjust the slide. I lost the smaller screw that bears against the side of the slide. Where can I find a replacement?

[j4570]

This Screw? I think it's Lyman Part Number 7990290 (no longer available)

317998

Here it is out of the measure. Note the tip has the threads turned off.

317997

I checked the threads and they are 8-32 which is a common machine screw.

You should be able to go down to the local hardware store and look in the boxes in the bolt aisle and find a thumb screw. I'm posting from McMaster (which is great for all kinds of stuff) but a little screw like this would be $15 shipping probably....not something I usually do.

If you are like me you have an old coffee can of bolts and screws that you will dump out and go through first and 1 in 10 chance find it......

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/screws/thumb-screws~/thread-size~8-32/

You can chuck it in a lathe and turn the tip or a drill press and use a file to do the tip maybe. If you use brass you might not need to do that. You shouldn't be tightening this thing all that much

The original screw is steel, but you can get brass or aluminum (I'd get brass if available), the brass is soft and shouldn't dig in the cylinder.

If anyone loses the large screw, it's some odd thread (maybe a #10, but it's finer that 32, maybe 36, I do think Lyman used 10-36 screws which are real oddballs).

Good luck.

JW

[lightload]

This Screw? I think it's Lyman Part Number 7990290 (no longer available)

317998

Here it is out of the measure. Note the tip has the threads turned off.

317997

I checked the threads and they are 8-32 which is a common machine screw.

You should be able to go down to the local hardware store and look in the boxes in the bolt aisle and find a thumb screw. I'm posting from McMaster (which is great for all kinds of stuff) but a little screw like this would be $15 shipping probably....not something I usually do.

If you are like me you have an old coffee can of bolts and screws that you will dump out and go through first and 1 in 10 chance find it......

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/screws/thumb-screws~/thread-size~8-32/

You can chuck it in a lathe and turn the tip or a drill press and use a file to do the tip maybe. If you use brass you might not need to do that. You shouldn't be tightening this thing all that much

The original screw is steel, but you can get brass or aluminum (I'd get brass if available), the brass is soft and shouldn't dig in the cylinder.

If anyone loses the large screw, it's some odd thread (maybe a #10, but it's finer that 32, maybe 36, I do think Lyman used 10-36 screws which are real oddballs).

Good luck.

JW

Thank you. On my way to hardware store.

[Three44s]

This Screw? I think it's Lyman Part Number 7990290 (no longer available)

317998

Here it is out of the measure. Note the tip has the threads turned off.

317997

I checked the threads and they are 8-32 which is a common machine screw.

You should be able to go down to the local hardware store and look in the boxes in the bolt aisle and find a thumb screw. I'm posting from McMaster (which is great for all kinds of stuff) but a little screw like this would be $15 shipping probably....not something I usually do.

If you are like me you have an old coffee can of bolts and screws that you will dump out and go through first and 1 in 10 chance find it......

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/screws/thumb-screws~/thread-size~8-32/

You can chuck it in a lathe and turn the tip or a drill press and use a file to do the tip maybe. If you use brass you might not need to do that. You shouldn't be tightening this thing all that much

The original screw is steel, but you can get brass or aluminum (I'd get brass if available), the brass is soft and shouldn't dig in the cylinder.

If anyone loses the large screw, it's some odd thread (maybe a #10, but it's finer that 32, maybe 36, I do think Lyman used 10-36 screws which are real oddballs).

Good luck.

JW


If someone needed a 10-36 screw here is a potential path to that:

https://www.msdiscounttool.com/catalog/product_info.php?csv=gg&products_id=100711

If that is indeed what they are ....

Three44s

[j4570]

It probably is. I might even have a 10-36 die but I think it’s a 12.

You can sometimes in a pinch thread over existing threads and get it to work ok for something like this where it’s a light load on the screw.

[Three44s]

I have a Lyman 55 bought in a package deal that needs both drop tubes. I wonder if there is a 3D print out there as one of my nephews has a printer.

If I recall correctly Lyman does not list them any longer.

Three44s