LYMAN 55 Powder Thrower

[63 Shiloh]

I bought myself on of these yesterday at a local gunshop, it was the only one they had.

Anyway, the box seal has been opened, probably 90% of reloading gear I buy in Australia has been opened for some reason.

Anyway, the Lyman 55 is missing the screw that holds the plate on the opposite side of the adjustment screws. So I cannot use this as is, I need a screw that will fit the hole in the brass barrel.

Sending things gun related back down here is a futile pursuit, you either have to wait for up to 4 months for a replacement or put up with it and try to fix it yourself.

Its one little screw, so I have decided to find a replacement.

I have tried all the available screws in my toolbox with no joy.

Could some kind soul post the length and TPI of this screw please?

Thanks fellers,

Mike

[TonyM]

I don't mean to hijack for a moment...

...But Is Australia pretty hard up on gun related regs? I would think it would be a little more relaxed... that being said, I know more about the intricacies of a soviet nuclear powered submarine (Do they still call them submarines?.... ) than I do regulations or the political climate in Australia...

[1hole]

I no longer have my old Lyman #55 but it was a very good measure and worth your fixing. My guess is you have metric thread screws available but it will have American fine thread screws, that one is about an 8-32 if I remember correctly. You may find the correct thread screw at an auto parts or repair shop that deals with American autos. ??

Anyway, it's not critical what size screw you use; if I were in your shoes I would find someone with a threading tap that's close and make it fit the screws you do have. A lot of home handymen have taps and drills for that kind of work, most auto repair shops and all machine shops have them.

[scrapcan]

63 shiloh,

I sent you a pm, the pm will help you find the info you are looking for.

[462]

Mike,
Mine is an 8-36 X 3/16", pan-head type.

I don't expect that would be an easy one to find. Most likely, your best fix would be to re-thread to accept an 8-32 X 3/16", or the closest metric size.

Good luck.

[thehouseproduct]

Couldn't someone send him generic screws that aren't "firearms" related?

[firefly1957]

And we complain here in the states I will try to measure mine when I get to the work shop but it may not be the same as it is a older unit and I am not sure if there are changes.

[P.K.]

http://www.lymanproducts.com/store/page87.html

Hope it's on the list. Good Luck!

[63 Shiloh]

63 shiloh,

I sent you a pm, the pm will help you find the info you are looking for.

Hmm, I did not get your PM mate??

Thanks for the heads up though, thanks to all for your help.

OK, firearms laws in Australia.

There was once a happy time before 1996, one could go into a gunshop, show your licence and walk out with whatever.

After '96 ( the Port Arthur massacre), the government at the time banned all semi auto rifles, pump shotguns and magazines over 10 rounds.

After another shooting in 2003, the anti gun gov went after handguns over .38 cal and mags over 10 rounds.

As it stands now, every State has a different Act and my state, West Australia has one of the worse.

I can buy firearm related gear over the 'net and have a great bloke on this forum in NC who sends me stuff down. The prices in the US are very good compared to what we pay here.

Now, with firearms, it is just getting harder. Our Customs are not allowing legal rifles in based on looks alone. For example, if someone was to make a bolt action AR 15, it would be rejected as it looks like a military weapon!

Our gun laws are ridiculous, here in WA every part of a cartridge is considered ammunition. An unprimed case must be locked away, a cast boolit must be locked away. Yet, I can order cases and projectiles from the Eastern States and get them delivered to my door. It is a dogs breakfast with way too much interpretation being given to Law Enforcement.

Anyway, I should have just bought the 55 from the US, however, I was in a rush to get one and bought local. If I cannot find the correct size screw, I will drill and tap it for M6x.1.5.

Mike

[dromia]

Why not just order a replacement direct from Lyman?

[woody1]

If you can't get one and still need it, PM me and we'll arrange it. Regards, Woody

[scrapcan]

Mike

I sent you another pm. I too offer to help if you can't get it done locally.

[woody1]

Mike,
Mine is an 8-36 X 3/16", pan-head type.

I don't expect that would be an easy one to find. Most likely, your best fix would be to re-thread to accept an 8-32 X 3/16", or the closest metric size.

Good luck.

Mine sure looks bigger than an 8. We are talking about the Slide End Plate Screw, part No. 7990293 aren't we? Regards, Woody

[462]

Woody1,
Yep, that's the part, and I just re-checked it . . . it's still an 8.

[woody1]

I suppose they've changed sizes over the years but all 4 of mine have a screw that's larger than a #8. I'd guess it's a #10 but it is 36 tpi. Regards, Woody

[scrapcan]

From some intense research by a few members of ARTCA (thanks a million Gene, Jim, Doug, and a bunch of others)

smaller screw for the barrel is 8x32 thumb screw, the one for the slide is 10x36 thumbscrew with nonmetallic tip, the end cap screw (end of rotor) is 10x36

lyman still uses some odd ball threads from the early years

[shotman]

he is talking about the 1/4 long pan head in the end of the barrel that holds the round black plate. some of the older 55s didnt have it It most likey is a 8x 32

[Baron von Trollwhack]

If 8 X 36 is correct, that is the thread size of the AR15 series rifle front sight threads. Now if you could lay your hands.........

BvT

[Dan Cash]

63,
Like others have offered, if you are still out the screw, I will get one or 2 and send them to you. Howeveer, were I in your situation, I would drill and tap for a local common screw.
Dan

[woody1]

It took a few days but here's the answer, confirming what others have said.

Subject: Lyman Contact Form:
Message: Can you please tell me what size the Slide End Plate Screw part
> No.7990293 on the Lyman 55 powder measure is? Thank you and regards,
> Woody

From Lyman:
It is a 10-36 thread screw. It has .190" long threads and is .25" long
overall.

So there IS some Service in Lyman's Customer Service.

Regards, Woody