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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Any comments Lyman #55 Classic (Read 10677 times)
bohemianway
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Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Dec 2nd, 2014 at 7:53am
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For years I have thought the Lyman CLassic blackpowder measure would be nice to have. Please let me know experiences and if one should get it with the drop tube or is it better to construct my own.

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Charles
  
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shovel80
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #1 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 8:33am
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I use this measure, but without the drop tubes. I drop the charge of BP into the scale pan and then trickle the last bit of powder into the pan watching the scale "0"..

Terry
  
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art_ruggiero
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #2 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 2:14pm
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i used one for years,  good repeatability (plus or minus .1-.2 grains)   and dont worry if it has a plastic tube  no problem   art
  
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Dr.Maynard
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #3 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 6:05pm
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   Charles ---

I don't wish to dissuade you from the Lyman No. 55's if your mind is already made up.

I would, however, like to mention a lesser known product that exceeds that of the Lyman brand.  My suggestion to you is the Belding and Mull (B & M) powder measure which is considered by some, myself included, to be far superior to Lyman.

If you are on a tight budget, the Lyman is hard to surpass and readily available in used condition.  However, in the used market, a B & M will require additional time to locate and the price will be approximately 25 % to 40 % more than Lyman, but you'll end up with a better product.

You ask, "How is the B & M better ?"  That's another day.
  
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Schuetzendave
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #4 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 6:31pm
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I found the Montana Vintage Arms Black Powder Measure to be more consistent than the Lyman 55.

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I used a Lyman until I won a MVA measure.
For black powder I only use the MVA now.
« Last Edit: Dec 2nd, 2014 at 6:37pm by Schuetzendave »  
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rgchristensen
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #5 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 6:41pm
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   Most powder measures are "good enough".   Some take more skill to get best results from.   My best black powder measure is an old Hollywood.  With ca 50 gr charges, it gives SD's  of 0.15gr, if you are careful with it.  The B&M will do as well, but is MUCH more cumbersome to operate.  However, it more-or-less forces you to do everything right, so many get better results with it.
   I have not owned nor used a Lyman 55.   Looks like an engineer's nightmare in the inside.  <BG>

CHRIS
RGChristensen
  
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J.G.Terry
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #6 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 7:02pm
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The 55 looks complicated. Once you get the feel of the 55 it's no problem. At one time, so I have been told,  the slides were graduated for BP.  Both the old time standard 55 and the BP version does very well combined with a trickler. On the down side, my standards have a problem with the plastic reservoirs coming off. Also have B&M, RCBS plus and old Redding. They all work well.
  
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bohemianway
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #7 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 8:13pm
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Thanks to all, It appears this is a Chevy vs Ford and that most are adequate. I thought that maybe the Blackpowder version was something special but if it only means I need to add a metal hopper to an existing #55 (I have three) then I have something. I had at one time used an RCBS with Blackpowder but in short order (from sitting empty for a year) the drum froze up and I had a dickens of a time getting it free. Otherwise I would use it since its hopper is fogged up due to PO leaving powder in it for decades. Please let me know if Black in an RCBS is taboo...

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Charles
  
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cmargs
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #8 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 8:51pm
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A Culver Conversion in a lyman 55 is excellent. cmargs.
  
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gunlaker
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #9 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 10:45pm
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I have a Lyman 55 and a Harrel's Precision BP measure.  I like the Harrel's much more as it's easier for me to get repeatable settings.  The Harrel's does very well with FFg and FFFg, but does not work at all with Fg.

The Lyman works well enough with Fg, although I migh try an MVA for that powder.

Schuetzendave, have you tried your MVA measure with Fg by any chance?

Chris.
  
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Schuetzendave
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #10 - Dec 2nd, 2014 at 11:29pm
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I have only used FFFg powders in my black powder measures for my .40-60 Maynard, 40-65 WCF, .38-55 and .38-50 Remington Hepburn and FFg in my .45-70.

All measures do not work as well with coarser powders.

I find the MVA to be the most consistent; however I also weigh each load for greater precision.

Yes the old timers said weighing never accomplished anything but they only had scales that were +/- .2 to .3 grains. 

However precisely weighing to .1 grain precision is beneficial. And we now have some scales that are +/- less than .1 grain. 

If you are fine tuning with a good weigh scale you do not need an accurate powder measure. However a more precise and consistent powder measure makes weighing much easier and quicker.
  
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gunlaker
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #11 - Dec 3rd, 2014 at 12:30am
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Thanks Dave.   I like the measure for loading BP at the range when using a single case.  Also when experimenting with different combinations of powder, primers, wads, etc. as it allows me to quickly throw away bad ideas Smiley.

When using Fg right now, I either preload cases at home, or use glass vials with weighed charges. 

Chris.

  
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Lumpy Grits
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #12 - Dec 3rd, 2014 at 4:59pm
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Schuetzendave wrote on Dec 2nd, 2014 at 6:31pm:
I found the Montana Vintage Arms Black Powder Measure to be more consistent than the Lyman 55.

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I used a Lyman until I won a MVA measure.
For black powder I only use the MVA now.


X2 on the MVA. Built just as their sights are.
LG
  
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bpjack
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #13 - Dec 3rd, 2014 at 8:56pm
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That MVA looks like a Belding & Mull on steroids.   I made a taller hopper for my B&M from some brass tubing and ditched the lever and spring.  I just slide the powder chamber back and forth with my fingers.  I weigh my target loads as well just because I can.  I just made a little sleeve to use on a 38-55 case so I can use the B&M measure at the bench and compress a bit so the case is full with a card wad.  Hope to see how accurate it is compared to my fix BP loads.   

Jack
  
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40_Rod
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Re: Any comments Lyman #55 Classic
Reply #14 - Dec 4th, 2014 at 11:13am
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Years ago when I first started I had a lyman 55 it was a P.I.T.A. to adjust. I finally bought a Culver style measure and never looked back. I also have a Belding & Mull that I use for black powder and 4759. 
  My advice is if you have one gun buy the 55 once you get the thing set to the charge you want lock it down and never change it.
For black powder use a Belding & Mull or MVA
If you want to change powder settings and get accurate return to an old setting get Harrel measure there is none better.

40 Rod
  
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