Lyman 55 Powder Measure

[PJ Hardtack]

I decided to use my Lyman 55 powder measure to load up a stock of 44-40 rds and found it to be frozen solid - locked up tighter than the mind of a rabid liberal anti-gunner!

Not having any kerosene and hating the smell of most penetrating oils, I poured some liquid Ballistol into the chamber and let it stand overnight. Took just a little effort to encourage it to move this morning, but I was able to disassemble it and thoroughly clean it.

It's an archaic tool, but that's why I like it.

[Dick Dastardly]

Ho PJ,

I have one also that's corroded tight.  What I'm using now is a Lee Perfect Powder measure.  I know, it's cheep plastic, but it works and doesn't lock up upon standing.

FWIW,  The Lee Perfect Powder measure with nothing on it fits snugly into the Lee thru the die neck flaring die.  Works slicker 'n snot.

DD-MDA

[PJ Hardtack]

If I had any use for Lee products other than their priming tool .....

[Lucky R. K.]

This used to happen to me also.  I finally realized that when you use the charger to throw black powder a dust residue is left after you empty the powder.  Now when I throw black powder I remove the tumbler and wipe it down completely before I cover it up. That solved the problem.

Lucky

[ndnchf]

I have to admit that I ruined a 55 by not cleaning the BP residue out of it. Now I always remove the drum and wipe it and the iron casting out thoroughly. I then put ONE drop of Ballistol on a patch and wipe down the iron casting. Then take a paper towel and wipe off any excess. Haven't had any problems since.

[PJ Hardtack]

Since the 55 was designed in the era of BP, you'd think the destructions would tell you how to maintain it. I guess that is part of the forgotten lore we are constantly relearning.

[Coffinmaker]

I have had a similar problem with my Dillon.  Let it sit over the winter (My basement shop is really COLD) and come spring, I have to take
it apart and clean the previous year's spooge out of it.  It's annoying, but it is what it is, if I want to run BP and Subs thru my Progressive.

Coffinmaker

[Dick Dastardly]

The one foolproof bp powder measure is the Lee dipper set.   

DD-MDA

[john boy]

Always make sure the #55 measure is clean and free from any loose powder grains before attempting to use it. If the slides cannot be pushed in to register zero when the unit is empty, the slides and cavity should be cleaned.

http://www.lymanproducts.com/lyman/scales-measures/pdf/LyC_SM_PM_55.pdf

The same goes for the Lyman#5 because they are the same as the Lyman #55, except the #55 has a plastic powder tube

I have both.  I spray the inside of the body with cold zinc which precludes the powder from sticking to the insides except for the drum ... which I clean after every use - especially using black powder

[Montana Slim]

John Boy's on target...I've had my model 55 about 20 years and no problems. I don't leave powder in the hopper, and do shake out the measure when finished. I have disassembled it once a few years ago to wipe all the parts down and noted no problems. I store it on my loading bench in the basement - well controlled temperature & humidity...likely key to my success with the 55.

Slim

[Lucky R. K.]

The same goes for the Lyman#5 because they are the same as the Lyman #55, except the #55 has a plastic powder tube

John Boy,  my #55 is the black powder version and the powder tube is made of metal. It is not aluminum but a magnet will not stick to it. As I said earlier, if I wipe it down after use with a dry cloth I have no problems. I do occasionally put a bit of graphite on the bearing surfaces.

Lucky

[Montana Slim]

Just a heads-up on use of graphite.
It does not play well with metals...in damp conditions it will incite some pretty bad corrosion.
Main reason I never leave BP in any of my measures....BP has a graphite coating.

Slim