Lyman 55 Powder Measure - Old vs. New

Hi folks. First post here.

Are there any significant mechanical changes to the Lyman 55 over the years? I'm interested in changes as they relate to materials used, repeatibility, longevity/ruggedness, ease of use, etc.

Or is it pretty much whether you prefer orange, gray or hammered gray?

I am not an expert on this, but I do own a Lyman 55 powder dispenser. When I bought mine there were two model 55's on the shelf. One was for black powder and the other had a warning not to use black powder in it. I would believe the parts internal of the one for black powder is of softer material or material that will not cause static or sparks. I bought the black powder one because my intent was to use it for black powder. I have two other Dillons for smokeless. Just my thoughts.

DMH

Smokeless plastic hopper, black powder metal hopper. Guts are the same.

Thanks for the responses guys. I went with the early-era dark orange variety. Looking forward to trying it out.

I have an Lyman powder measure which was purchased in the mid 1960's. It is finished in orange. I still use it once in a while.

I have worked with both, and I believe there are 2 main differences...
• The orange #55 was cast iron while the gray unit is aluminum
• The orange #55 was rear clamp mount only, while the newer gray unit has a 7/8-14 threaded adapter so that it can be located in a Lyman turret

Mine is old as well. I bought it years ago and it had a cracked, etched, and dark yellow hopper then. A couple years ago I wanted to get a new hopper and called Lyman. The old hopper screwed in and the newer ones snap in. The older ones are no longer available but they said the snap in ones will fit if you heat them some and force them on. I boiled some water and immersed the snap in end in the water for a bit, took it out and screwed it right in after wiping the water off it. Now my 55 looks like new and I can actually see the propellant. I have left some propellant (W-231) in it or a couple weeks and it did not hurt the plastic so this may be an improvement you might want to pursue with the old one. Besides it matches the old Lyman turret press I have.:D
As stated the all metal one was for black powder reloading and came with a couple long drop tubes.

Thanks again guys. All good information.

I'll have to check out the condition of the hopper when it arrives. That's good to know Frog.