Lyman or Lee

[roysha]

If you were buying a powder measure and you had the choice between a very good used Lyman 55 for $35.00 or a new Lee Perfect Measure for $30.00, both prices include shipping and tax, which would you choose? Why?

[Bazoo]

Having both myself, and using both, I prefer the lee. The Lyman is probably better. But the lee has features I like. It has a stand, it has a removable hopper, it is quieter in operation. It ain’t perfect. It took tuning to get it so it didn’t leak. But I use the lee most often and am happy with it.

[Toolmaker TN]

My first measure was a Lyman 55. Bought it used in the 80's, still have it. I just made a custom aluminum hopper for it, to load BP. It's a classic, and the standard in mass-produced measures IMO. You absolutely can't go wrong with one. They're bullet-proof, and last forever.
Lee also makes a very good measure. I have several of them. As stated above, leaking can be an issue with some of them. But it's a ready to go package deal. Great value for the money.
I have powder measure costing nearly 10 times what either of those would run you, but I wouldn't part with the Lyman or Lee measures.
You wouldn't go wrong with either one. But IMO, a Lyman 55 for $35 would be hard to pass up.

[pworley1]

I have both and used the Lyman more.

[AlHunt]

The right answer to these questions is always "buy both".

I would choose the Lyman if pressed, but I don't think it makes a hill of beans difference. Just have a decent scale.

[farmerjim]

I have both, but I use the Lee more than the Lyman.

[jetinteriorguy]

Which Lee perfect measure are you talking about? The original plastic version or the improved brass bodied version? While the original is a fine measure, the improved version is much better. I have both of these and two Lyman 55’s. All three are pretty accurate, but work differently with different powders. In order of accuracy I’d rank them first Lee improved, Lyman 55, and then original Lee. In order of ease of use, Lee improved, Lee original, then Lyman 55. I have been using the Lee improved since they first came out and just love it, it’s as accurate as any I’ve used, easy to use, and once you find a load just set up one of the plastic rotors for that load and no more fussing every time you want to load those rounds. This is my method for rifle ammo. For pistol I work up my load using the Lee improved, then find a cavity in a Pro disc measure that throws light and use a tapered reamer to adjust it to throw the proper weight. I load all pistol ammo on my Lee Classic Turret with the Pro Disc measure with this method.

[gwpercle]

You can adjust the Lyman to throw flake powder like Unique and stick rifle powders like 3031 and 4895 . But you have to set it up correctly ... you want a single deep narrow cavity for flake and stick powders and you must operate the measure in a consistent operation .
The Lyman 55 is for advanced reloaders who know how to use it .
If you aren't into powder measure operation ... get the Lee .
Gary

[jaguarxk120]

Buy the Lyman and don't look back.

[jr612]

I'd go with lee simply because that's what I have been using and I have been very pleased. That's not to say lee products are better, but they have served me just fine.

[Green Frog]

If you buy the Lyman, you probably won't ever own the Lee. OTOH, if you buy the Lee and do very much loading, you will probably buy a Lyman eventually. I collect powder measures, so I'm speaking from experience. The Lyman has a bit of a learning curve for proper adjustment, just don't be in a hurry. With minimal care, the Lyman will be available for your grandchildren to use.

If you want quick, you can get one of the fixed cavity rotor types like a Little Dandy, but that wasn't one of the options you listed.

Froggie

[gmsharps]

I think the Lyman would be the best choice. They work well once you get the adjustments made.

gmsharps

[Budzilla 19]

Lyman 55 every time. For $35? Buy it, I’ll give you your money back immediately, if you don’t like it.

[Walks]

Lyman 55
Mine is 47yrs old, still throws 1.1grs of Bullseye and 78grs of IMR4350, and everything in between.

[Bazoo]

I appreciate this thread. I think I’ll fine tune my technique with the 55.

[GregLaROCHE]

I have both and only use the Lyman 55. I have two of them. I like when things feel more solid.

[kungfustyle]

The Lee leaks powder every were. Get the Lyman, the heft makes for a more accurate powder dump. If you keep a funnel in the Lyman with powder in it, so the pressure is always the same it is very, very accurate. The Lyman you can mount on any shelf/desk with the clamp on the back side of the powder measure. Just my two cents.

[robg]

ive got both, i would get both as the lee is better with larger powder granules/flakes .Lyman is better with finer powders and at that price its a steal.

[Shawlerbrook]

They both will do what they were made for but the Lyman will do it better and longer. I am not a Lee hater( have their dies and love the universal decapper and FCD), but the Lyman 55 is a superior machine. That said, my favorite is the Redding, but I own and use 3 Lyman 55’s.

[gwpercle]

I appreciate this thread. I think I’ll fine tune my technique with the 55.

You wont regret that choice . It does have to be adjusted right . Best results is to adjust the brass slides to form one narrow , deep powder cavity ... narrow and deep is the secrete ... the least amount of powder that gets exposed and sheared by the cylinder ...the better and more accurate the charges. You can dispense stick , flake, semi-ball and ball powders with the 55 ... no leaking either.
#2...must operate handle in a totally consistent manner every time ...and you need to practice and develop your method .
Keep the hopper level 1/2 full and/or use a powder baffle in the hopper .
Yes they require some learning ...but the 55 can measure all powers .
Gary