Hello All
I am looking at getting a new powder measure. I was looking at the RCBS Uniflow powder measure but I recently got a Lyman catalog and the Lyman model 55 caught my eye. Would any of the fine folks on this forum that has one of these please let me know how you like it?
<O:p</O:p
Thanks so much.
<O:p</O:p
30-30 Man

I've got one and it works fine.
Fine grained spherical powders bind it up a little but other than that, no problems.

I like my Lyman 55. You might consider getting the black powder version just in case bp in in your future.

If your working with stick powders such as 4831 Lee's little perfect measure throws the most accurate loads I've seen. It doesn't do well with fine ball powders as it will leak a little and the RCBS works well for those.

There's three on my bench besides my old shooting partners RCBS Electronic dispenser scale, an RCBS Uniflow a Lee Perfect and a Hornedy measure. There's also one of Lee's little disc pistol measures that go in the Lee dies for loading handgun loads. It dumps the powder thru the belling die as the case is pushed up inside it automatically. Great little machines.

Here's what's on my bench.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Reloading/Shopanddog-34.jpg

This is the electronic one.

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q172/faucettb/Reloading/RCBSdispandscale.jpg

I have one that is over 30 years old and still in use. I have never had a problem with it. I find it very accurate.

I find the Lyman 55 much handier than my old Ohaus Du-O-Measure, but it isn't as accurate with small charges of flake powder. The 55 does all my rifle and .357 Magnum loading. The rear clamp makes it quick to mount and dismount for dumping.

Bye
Jack

I use my Lyman 55by hand, while my RCBS is mounted on my progressive press.

If I had to choose 1, I'd go with the RCBS, with the micrometer adjustment. I find it easier to write down what the setting was for a particular load, and return to it immediately some time in the future.

The Lyman has a coarse, medium, and fine adjustment. They can be tricky to adjust to a particular charge weight. The RCBS micrometer is a single adjustment, and is not so tricky to adjust to a specific charge.

:)

Thanks everyone

I think I will flip a coin. Both the Lyman or RCBS look to be a great powder measure.


30-30 Man

I recently got some old Lyman 55's and I'm trying to learn how to use them. I must be doing something wrong because they are driving me nuts trying to set them. Are there any hints?? My Belling Mull (sp) and Lee seem easier to use.

I tried typing some directions and confused myself. Read the Lyman instructions if you haven't already... http://www.lymanproducts.com/lymanproducts/index.htm

Use only the top slide for light loads and the top and middle slides together for the rest. Per Lyman you may have to use the main slide for heavy loads, I never have.

Edit:
After clicking the link, click on " measures and scales " at the top and then scroll down till you see the measure and you will see where to click to get the instructions.

I use the main slide for 36 grains of powder and up. The middle slide is OK for 4.0 grains of ball (W231) powder and about 6.0 of flake. I don't use the top slide, just keep it flush with the middle slide. The old Ohaus beats the Lyman for small loads of flake powder. If you use the main slide for .30-06 sized charges of stick powder instead of the middle slide you cut fewer grains. That makes it easier on the handle. Keep the middle and top slides flush with the main slide when you use the main slide.

Bye
Jack

I believe I'm safe saying the #55 is the powder measure that's been production without significant change for the longest time, by a long shot. That says something 'bout the basic design.

Thanks guys, I reread the directions and tried it again and I'm getting much more consistant loads. I wasn't being very consistant with my technique. Blame it on operator error which if I'm involved seems to usually be the case!

The price tag on my Lyman #55 says $17.50. Dad bought with his Tur-line Jr press and # 45 Sizer/lubricater. All of which are still in use. It's almost as old as kdub and M1894 and works even better :eek: . Just kidding guys. Once you get the knack of operating the little jewel, there's none better. With charges up to 60 grains it's very accurate. Always within a tenth. On charges up to 40 grains it is more accurate. I'm sure if you got the baffle it would be more accurate. That's my next investment from Midway, the 7000 grain hopper and baffle kit. I'm sure Dad would approve. ;)

RJ

Don't flip that coin yet, 30-30Man. Unless it has about eight sides!

In truth, all powder measures are as accurate as you need. Some have drawbacks with some powders, and some with other powders. I use an old Hornady with Rifle and Pistol drums as my tertiary unit. It never bound up or bobbled in 20+ years of throwing any and all powders.

My current primary is the older RCBS Chargemaster digital unit. Wonderful for small batches of test ammo using several charge weights. But a pain in the timeclock for high-volume loading.

For very fast, extremely accurate and never bobble with ANYTHING work, I use my Johnson Quick Measure. It's my high-volume secondary unit, and I recommend it highly if you don't choose to go digital.

Thanks Rocky<O:p</O:p
I almost pressed the add to cart button from Lock Stock and Barrel for the Lyman 55 measure. I went and checked the forum this morning and saw your write up on the Johnson. Looks very interesting. I couldn't see a price anywhere. That’s OK though because if it is what you say it is then it will be a keeper for the rest of my life. <O:p</O:p
<O:p</O:p


Thanks again

It is better than my review. I had a much earlier version and there have been many improvements since then. Google it or http://www.quick-measure.com (http://www.quick-measure.com/)

I should add that the JDS is more of a rifle measure. It doesn't work for very small charges like 3.0 grains. You may need to factor that in. For handgun loads only, an RCBS Little Dandy works well, and they are inexpensive.