Lyman 55

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twarr1

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A friend of a friend is selling his late fathers reloading equipment. I picked up a Lyman 55 powder measure with original box and manual. I’ve never used one. Anybody have any tips or comments?
He also had 2 flats of Winchester LRP he wanted $5 for. They’re marked 1994, but primers essentially last forever if stored properly. I’ll use them for some mild ‘06 loads.

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Those primers will be good to go. Still working on using up boxes of them from that era with zero problems in my 30-06.
My 55 works well. You have to experiment with the slides to get your drops repeatable with flake powders but once dialed in it’ll work well. Some use the knocker on front to settle the powder some don't. Try it both ways and figure it out for you. Mine came with a chart on how to set tne slides for powders from the 50's. If mine (an old Ideal as well) ever broke I would replace it in a heartbeat.
 
Lyman 55 is a very good dispenser. Like FROGO207 said, you need to experiment with the sliders. Once you get the hang of it. You will be pleased. I have three that I have bought over the years (yard sales) and each one works great. I will pass these on to my sons....lifetime quality and then some. Best wishes!
 
The Lyman 55 is the "sleeper" of power measure's. If you
notice when there are posts about powder measure problems, the Lyman
is never mentioned. Always on the spot charges thrown, does not leak ball powders,
and it is so well made owners do not have to re-fit parts.
If you turn the measure over and look at the back side of the slide you will see
that it is marked in drams for black power!
 
Mine came as part of an “expert” kit I bought to get started in hand loading around 81 or 82. It’s only used for throwing 3F powder charges in 45C these days. Mounted to the Lyman T mag six hole press in came with. Still use the scale also. Good equipment Lyman.
 
I have 2. When loading pistol cartridges, I move all the slides together. This makes a single cavity. Saw that suggestion somewhere years ago. Works pretty good, you might want to try it.
 
The Lyman #55 is my favorite powder measure. Its great IMO.

Run, don't walk to.get those primers for only $5. You can pay up to $100 for them these days! RUN!!!!!
 
I still use a Lyman 55 although less now as I have a SD (357), SDB (45 acp) and a 550 with multiple tool heads now.
Great powder measure dating back to 1970s when I bought it new. I had it mounted on a RCBS aluminum stand behind my 70s Lyman Spartan on the same 2x4 which is removable from my loading bench. (My redneck version of Quick Change)
Only problem I ever had was bending the tiny adjustment screw which Lyman replaced at No Charge! Great company with quality equipment!
I highly recommend it!
Great grab on those primers!
 
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