Powder Measure Question

[GuitarsAndGuns]

The other day I purchased a Lyman 55 at my LGS. It was on clearance and a good deal. When I got home and went to search for an online tutorial, I realized this is the now discontinued blackpowder model with the static free aluminum hopper. The Lyman website says it can be used for either black or smokeless powder. Does anyone have any experience with this particular powder measure? As far as I can tell, the only difference between this model is the aluminum versus plastic hopper. There isn't much info on the web about it. I do not load any blackpowder cartridges but if it works just fine for smokeless than I will just keep it since it was a bargain. I wanted to ask here before I used it in case I should need to exchange it for a different one. Thanks for any assistance you guys can provide. Here is a photo of it.

 

[Reloadron]

You have the Lyman 55 Classic version.

Taken from page 50 of the linked pdf file:

#55 CLASSIC BLACK POWDER MEASURE
The #55 Classic Black Powder Measure has been designed to safely throw charges of
either black powder, Pyrodex, or smokeless powder. The measure is equipped with an aluminum
powder reservoir and a metering cylinder enclosed in a brass housing. This eliminates
the possibility of sparks and static electricity. The #55 Classic is equipped with a powder baffle
for accurate, consistent charges. Certain models include an additional 24" long drop tube,
which provides up to 7% greater black powder compression. If your #55 Classic model does
not include drop tubes, they may be purchased from Lyman as an optional accessory (part no.
7767764).
Note: Please read the previous section on the #55 Powder Measure for set up instructions.
The #55 Classic functions the same as the standard #55 Powder Measure and the same
instructions will apply. Additional black powder information follows.

So it's a fine volumetric powder dispenser that should work fine for most hand loading applications. I assume you have already read the instructions and linked to pdf file.

Ron

 

[GuitarsAndGuns]

The book that it came with had the instructions for the standard 55, like a dummy I somehow overlooked the page pertaining to this model, but I just found it. Thanks for the link.

 

[Reloadron]

Enjoy your new good deal.

Ron

 

[noylj]

You might even contact Lyman and see it you can replace the aluminum hopper with a plastic one, just so you can see the powder height easily.
Don't let the powder column drop below 1/3 of the hopper height.

 

[FROGO207]

I have one of the older ones and it works just fine. You got a good deal.