Lyman 55

[crowsnest2002]

Got an orange lyman 55. Very clean with everything including lid for $35. Man have i been missing out with this thing. I keep things consistant and it is on it with Leverevolution. I wanted something to throw ball powder since the the chargemaster is messy. I tap the handle hard on the up and down. Anyone have any tips they learned with their lymans? Also the measurements on there dont seem to correspond to anything lol. Seems like just a reference number.

 

[Kings X]

There should be a little ”knocker” on the front. Tie it back with a rubber band. Trip it before throwing a charge. Thumps the hopper to settle powder in drum.

 

[JimSC]

There should be a baffle with it. If not make a couple out of drink can aluminum/ roofing flashing/or copper foil.

here is a link to templates

https://www.shootersforum.com/attachments/powder-baffle-instructions-and-templates-pdf.5938/

 

[crowsnest2002]

Thank you very much

 

[Twicepop]

I have one of these that I've used for about 30-35 years. Before this I had a Pacific and RCBS powder measures and this is the one stayed with. The measurement like you noted are for reference and do not correspond to any particular powder/settings. With spherical powders it throws charges with less than a tenth of a grain variance, with stick powders I've always thrown less than target weight and trickled up. IMHO, for the money they are the best available.

 

[crowsnest2002]

There should be a baffle with it. If not make a couple out of drink can aluminum/ roofing flashing/or copper foil.

here is a link to templates

https://www.shootersforum.com/attachments/powder-baffle-instructions-and-templates-pdf.5938/

Couldnt get the link to work for some reason.

 

[JimSC]

Couldnt get the link to work for some reason.

it opens a .pdf file in Acrobat reader for me. The file is called Uncle Nicks powder baffle, you might try googling for it to find a different source

 

[servant403]

You can still find factory baffles for the Lyman 55. Ive seen them offered for sale at Midway and Midsouth for around 8-10 bucks .
I copied a rcbs baffle and just cut it smaller. I used a small piece of aluminum I had. Then I ordered one when making a order at Midsouth.

 

[powderbrake]

I suggest a baffle, and always make the powder cavity as deep as possible.
You want a deeper hole for the powder, with as small area that is cut by the body as you cycle the measure.
The small area on the top that is cut by the measure means smoother operation, fewer grains cut. and a more accurate load delivery.

 

[WVRJ]

I don't use the knocker on mine.I raise the handle slowly to the top of the stroke,wait about 3 seconds and lower it slowly to drop the charge.Keeping the reservoir at least 1/3 full helps keep charges consistent.With finer grained powders,it'll throw charges just about perfect,and once I get it set,I don't weigh any more than 1 in 10.With coarser stick powders,I get it set up to drop charges a little bit under what's desired and use a trickler to finish bringing them up to the proper weight.