Old powder drop question

[Peacemaker]

I've heard horror stories about the old Lyman Ideal #55 powder drop causing all sorts of problems and that they should all be thrown out and never used again. Anyone know if any of the rumors are true? If so, was there ever any fix to 'em?

 

[GP100man]

Such as any tool it has to be cleaned & maintained .

I own 3 , each set for a certain load & no I`m not to lazy to set em up , I purchased 1 & inherited 1 then traded for 1.

I also own a rcbs & an old Herters ! they all work within there capibilities.

All powder measures have limitations with long grained kernels .

Most people work on weight difference & never look at % differences of drops .

Take some of your favorite factory ammo down & do the weight thing , you`ll have more insight of what `s happenin

 

[Dale53]

I don't consider the Lyman 55 powder measure to be the best by any consideration. However, I have three and find them quite useful. They are particularly useful to me, with black powder.

I consider the Redding micrometer measure (whichever model that best suits your purpose) to be the best value in a fine measure. I have a couple of those. My Harrell measure I bought mostly for the snob appeal with my Schuetzen outfit. It is the "best" but the Redding will absolutely do everything the Harrell will.

When it comes to a progressive press, I really like my Dillon powder measures. However, I tend to favor ball powders whenever possible for their measuring qualities.

It apparently is not commonly known that proper operation of most any powder measure controls the accuracy of the powder charge. I have even seen "scientific" tests to rate powder measures that fail to take that into consideration (thereby nullifying the test completely).

Dale53

 

[DeletedMember275]

Honestly, most people don't know how to properly adjust or operate the Lyman 55. As stated above, it ain't necessarily the 'best,' but it is definitely 'good enough.'

 

[Pal Val]

I have one, and have found that if you don't operate it with a bit of "snap", accuracy goes haywire. This is specially true with stick powders.

 

[john guedry]

Mine works fine and I also own a Redding and it works great too. Some things take a little practice to make work right.

 

[Rainman]

Everything on my loading bench is RCBS green including a Uniflow powder measure but when I'm trying to get really consistant weights I pull out the old orange Lyman 55 especially on smaller handgun charges. I've had great luck with it but it does require a set routine. First I installed a powder baffle and then I flip the knocker each time after the powder drop. I personally like the multiple adjustment features.

JMHO & YMMV,

Dan