Problem with Lyman 55 Powder Measure, Please Help

[DeputyDog25]

Hey everyone, I am fairly new to reloading and I just purchased a vintage, but in like new condition Lyman 55 powder measure. I have used the graduated marks and adjustment screws as directed in the instruction manual, but the problem I have is that somehow after setting these screws and the drum to the proper load, I can dump 4 or 5 charges all weighing the same amount and then the next charge comes out about 1.5 times more than my set charge, or just the opposite happens, I get less than the set charge. Anybody else have this problem or is it just my ignorance causing this problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Magnum Shooter]

What powder are you using?

 

[DeputyDog25]

It has done the same thing with both Longshot and W231

 

[Walkalong]

Re-read the directions and see if you missed something. Make sure it is clean inside and free of lube etc.

 

[rcmodel]

Your measure has three sliding adjustments.

Make sure the black steel drum is closed all the way.

Then use the middle brass slide to set your charge.

Only fine tune with the smallest brass slide if absolutely necessary.

If you have used the black drum at all, the space is too deep & narrow and the powder is getting stuck or bridging in it.

Conversely, if you use a bunch of small brass slider adjustment, you will be crunching more powder then necessary with light loads of pistol powder, or heavy loads of rifle powder.

rc