I have two Tru-line Jr. presses set up with No.55 powder measures. One seems to throw Universal powder with good accuracy...but, the other is not consistent.

I was using a setting of six grains.

I tried getting that fix on the top slide bar first, then just the bottom slide bar...nothing worked there that was consistent.

Even tried opening them both at the same time...notta.

Jim

Know this is way obvious, but the first step would be to take theat scale out of service, detail clean it, work the adjustments though their range a few times, and detail clean it again. Don't use anything that leaves an oily residue (which just may have been what started the problem).

Powdes have a small amount of super fine dust in them...usually worse with old powder that's rattled arround in the can for a few years. Evenw ith a tight joint, this super-fine powder tends to work its way in. With just a slight bit of residue, it binds up into a black "gunk" over time.

So...be sure the cleaned neasure is dry. A light whipe with a dry molly type lube...not a thick layer like the stuff put on bullets.. With a clean rag, buff off all teh excess until there is hadly a noticable amount of Molly left...then reassemble and give it a test.

I'm not familiar with the 55, does it use drums to disperse powder? I had a similar problem with my RCBS when using the large drum to dispense small quantities of powder. Changing to the small drum (not diameter, small charge cavity) cured that. HTH?

When I bought these pieces off of ebay and received them...I took them apart and cleaned thoroughly and they were indeed dry.

The No.55 is like a horizontal cylinder with two seperate adjustment knobs on the end. The top knob is for smaller flat brass bar adjustments to the right. The bottom knob is for the larger black metal horizontal cylinder to open to the right.

After each use its necessary to clean them thoroughly.

Can't say the No.55 is one of my favorites...however, the other Lyman No.55 seemed to work OK with that same powder.

Had best luck with RCBS Uniflow PM and have four of them.

Jim

Gunguy;
I have 3, 45/450 Lymans, 1 Redding, and 1 Belding & Mull, all mounted and used. I have another #45 stored for backup. Only one did I purchase NEW. Others were picked up at gun shows or thru trades. The only one I've cleaned was stored in a garage and I'd no idea what it may have been contaminated with. I do not consider disassembly to remove accumulated graphite as cleaning. Graphite is the fine black dust you find in gun powder and is the ONLY lubricant needed.
If I understand your posting , I'd guess that your problem is in your adjustment technique. Always start an adjustment from the largest section/slide.
When moving either of the top slides one must be absolutely sure to not have either of them OVERLAP the bottom ones into the cavity. This condition will allow powder to fetch up and not drop out.
The Lymans aren't any better than the Redding (similar to RCBS & Hornady etc.) but they are just as accurate and have some other features which make them more usefull to me. Be sure to develope a system including the knockers. A certain degree of vibration is always a benefit when dropping powder.
Pepe Ray

Thank you Pepe Ray, for the Lyman 45 PM information.

So, its OK to have both slides open but not have the little top slide overlap the the big slides open cavity.

That is the way I assumed it worked, but the one unit does not drop accurate measurement and I know not why...perhaps it is the powder...I was using Universal Hodgdon's powder.

I will experiment some more in the future.

Jim

You might want to consult with the people at Lyman. The advice you have recieved here is accurate and honest.BUT there are people at Lyman that were probably playing with the inventors of gunpowder. They know their stuff inside and out and have always been "above and beyond" helpful every time I have inquired. Hope it helps. Stay safe!!

I have the No.55 Lyman PM squared away.

Tore it down completely, found I had to readjust the sliding brass meter plates, and the black shaft was moved and pushed out a very small amount.

Got it all adjusted and tightened up, works great...just like its twin on the other press.

I love it when I do something right.

Thanks to all hands who voluntered helpful info.

Both of these No.55 units are really ancient, with new paint jobs they look and work good as new.

Anyone got a good used clean screw in glass or plastic tube with metal lid.

Thanks, Jim