Thank you for this 11 year old video! My Dad passed away last year and I"m trying to figure out how to use all his equipment. He had this exact powder measure and now I know how to use it properly! Thanks again.
Thank you, sir. Very helpful video. I find that your use of the camera to show close-up detail is very good for helping me understand both your monologue and the instructions that came with the charger.
Thank for this. Someone gave me one like this but it had a long aluminum body. I guess it was meant for black powder but can be used for any of them. I couldn't for the life of me understand the manual online. But your video made more sense when I had the powder measure in front me. Thank you very much.
Thank you for the video...Just bought a Lyman kit and the instructions included were a bit vague... I've been measuring by hand because I didn't want to spend a lot of time with trial and error with the device. Now it should be MUCH easier to setup and get going...Thanx again.
My buddy, who introduced me to reloading gave me this powder measure. Mine is the orange one. After watching your viedo,I can throw accurate charges of Varget and BLC-2 . I am new to reloading,so this was a great help Thanks
Excellent! Thanks! I just bought an old used one of these and was wondering how to set it up. I have only used the Lee version before. This was most helpful. Thanks for taking the time.
I was given one these by a buddy at work, I did not get any instructions. I like the funnel trick, I'll start doing that. Your reasons for making videos are why I make my gun related videos...good job Cmax
I have that exact same powder throw. Never really knew how to use it and it has just set on the shelf. I do have the lid for the hopper, but mine is metal. Thanks for sharing.
Saw this powder measure at the flea market, today. Price was $2 so I bought it. Seems to meter Unique rather well. I like your trick with the funnel and will try it in the very near future. Thanks. BTW, also got a pair of RCBS mold handles for a dollar!
Thank you so much! There are countless videos here on youtube that show different reloading procedures but on a comparison basis not many of them will go into the specific details that are needed for us beginners to get a deeper understanding. I'm looking at an Ideal 55 powder measure on ebay right now that ends in just 45 minutes and so it was nice to quickly come across your video and getting to see this more in-depth break down of how it worked and if it was most likely going do the job which I need it for....the reviews have been showing a fair amount of people not liking the newer powder measures made by Lee, RCBS, and a couple others
just put the Lyman 55 opened up the orange book didn't really understand what I was reading went to your video and helped me a hundred percent like to part with the funnel thanks keep up the good work and I'll be watching your videos thank you
Hi, I just picked one of these measures up and your instructions on adjusting the charge was a great help. My other measure uses a micrometer type adjustment, the new Lyman is a bit different and like the old saying goes a picture or in this case a video is worth a thousand words, thanks! Al
Thank you sir. I have a used press that came with a powder measure which was never used........ No instructions of course...... But thank you for the lesson. Great video!
Just getting started and bought some used equipment. One piece is an orange colored Lyman powder measure similar to the one in your video. It’s missing the cap for the reservoir. Do you have any instructions for setting it up?
I like the funnel idea, but I suspect I would knock the unit and spill powder. I, likewise do not use the tapper weight. I find if I just work the handle with some authority to sort of slam it at the end of it's strokes, it settles the powder for more consistent charges. I always wonder, which is better, with very small charges, like 3 grains of Titegroup, is it better to set the slides for a broad shallow opening or a narrow deep opening. I never tried an experiment to see.
How do you keep the powder reservoir inserted. I have tried to screw it but it does not stay in. The threads look like they match but it does not screws in. Thanks
Not the easiest instrument to get the swing of so this video is excellent. One thing I'm not sure of...I'm attempting to calibrate the load with some scales. Can you make adjustment to the amount of load with powder still loaded in the thing or do you have to empty it of powder to change the settings?
I know this is an older video but... I have been given one of these by my brother who has had it for many years. I set it up and was using H4831 stick powder to throw some loads. Almost every down pull resulted in unit sticking and having to force handel down. Is this common or something not right? I set it to throw 45 grns and then used trickel to get the .7
I got one of these from my brother. It has surface rust and I am cleaning it up. Question: I can't get the plastic reservoir off (it is not the unscrew type) Also I reload 22lr and need to measure between 1 grain and 2.4 grains with .2 grain accuracy. Am I wasting my time with this?
the plastic reservoir does not come off, I believe, when you get down to 1 grain or 2.4 grains of powder I do not believe any powder measure will be able to do what you want. so you will have to use a powder trickler and weigh every charge to get that small amount accuracy
Sometimes when you're using powder it sticks to the body of whatever you're using it sometimes it'll stick to the little tray in the scale you'll notice it also sticks to the top of the reservoir tube sometimes it sticks to the funnel. That little knocker is you flick that and it gets all the loose granules that are sticking to the inside of the body of the measurer . In my opinion you start with the lever in the top position swing it down and with one of your fingers you give the knocker a little flick and then bring the lever back to the top. Probably with two or three practice swings you can conquer that.
Yes. The graduations are specifically for black powder. They read in grains by volume. The design of the drum goes all the way back to 1892. It predates smokeless powder. This is nothing more than a modernized Ideal No 5. Only change made were to incorporate a plastic reservoir and a set up fine screw adjustments. Otherwise, it's an Ideal No 5.
The accuracy of the throw is really dependent on the type powder. The smaller the granule of powder makes it easier to get spot on throws. BLC2 or 2000MR meter like a champ.... 4064/ 4895 is a little more sticky. Also don't mistake grains with granules, if you can't control the throw within 1/10 grain vs 1 or 2 grains, you should not be reloading. And clean up your slides, this is a precision instrument, get the corrosion off. Thanks for putting the effort in for the vid though, it is helpful.
+TheKoba49 I used it once & dumped out the powder when I was finished & noticed lots of powder stuck to the sides of the reservoir & body. I rinsed it out a few times with alcohol but can't get to the powder still stuck below the sheet metal baffle.
+SteelTank100 You can remove the reservoir and replace it. They offer an option of the standard short and long version for it. It snaps into place, you can search for replacing the reservoir on a RCBS uniflow and see a video on it and use that way to do it. I have removed mine by holding the main body in one hand and slapping the reservoir into the palm of my other hand then turn it and do that again until it releases from the body of the powder measure. If you look at Lyman's site you can see that you can get replacements cheap for it if you ever break one of them. There was an older version (I believe version 1) that was threaded but the later versions are the "snap in" style.
as far as accurate - this is pretty good until I switched my powder due to shortage; The new powder is very sticky and no matter how hard I try, I end up either at 4.2 and 4.5 gn ~ I have made numbers of below pressure cartridges that resulted in stove pipes. (my old one range is from 4.0 - 4.8 and I can get it at 4.3/4.4 everytime; these new stuff - 4.35 to 4.8 gn)
Get a baffle. Works probably better than your funnel and you don't have to keep an eye on levels near as much. Also you kept mentioning that the measure does grains. I doubt that unless there is a volumetric grain that I am not aware of as mass grain can obviously very SIGNIFICANTLY from powder to powder. I think it probably measures in microliters. Just wanted to clear that up so nobody goes and thinks that they are throwing 4.3 grains of unique with it and actually throw twice that...
Worst powder dispenser ever made in human history. It never gives the same amount of powder. NEVER! It's a worthless piece of garbage. RCBS competition powder measure is way better and more constant. Lyman 55 is a total disaster.
It's the Lyman Ideal 55 made for black powder not smokeless. It is a second generation meter that traces back directly to the Ideal No 5 of 1892. Production of the No 5 from 1892 to 1947. Production of the No 55 from 1947 until replaced recently by the Brass Smith. You're asking a meter who's internals were engineered way back in 1892 to throw black powder to instead throw an entirely different material with entirely different characteristics with entirely different min/max weight deviation requirements. That unacceptable deviation with smokeless was very well within acceptable deviation of black powder. The edge of the brass drum was never engineered or intended to cut extruded powder either and will suffer severe damage if done repeatedly, the violent shaking as powder is cut by the drum also induces additional settling and deviation in the charges. This doesn't happen with black powder. You were misinformed by decades of marketing by Lyman and lot of old men winging it. I too used to think this was a terrible design. No. Just terrible marketing and equally terrible misapplication of the tool. An adjustable wrench makes a terrible tire iron, not a terrible adjustable wrench. There's a reason why Lyman adopted a properly engineered meter for smokeless. It took them long enough.
Thank you for this 11 year old video! My Dad passed away last year and I"m trying to figure out how to use all his equipment. He had this exact powder measure and now I know how to use it properly! Thanks again.
Thank you, sir. Very helpful video. I find that your use of the camera to show close-up detail is very good for helping me understand both your monologue and the instructions that came with the charger.
Thank for this. Someone gave me one like this but it had a long aluminum body. I guess it was meant for black powder but can be used for any of them. I couldn't for the life of me understand the manual online. But your video made more sense when I had the powder measure in front me. Thank you very much.
Thank you for the video...Just bought a Lyman kit and the instructions included were a bit vague... I've been measuring by hand because I didn't want to spend a lot of time with trial and error with the device. Now it should be MUCH easier to setup and get going...Thanx again.
My buddy, who introduced me to reloading gave me this powder measure.
Mine is the orange one.
After watching your viedo,I can throw accurate charges of Varget and BLC-2 .
I am new to reloading,so this was a great help
Thanks
Just wanted to say thanks for the video. This was by far the most useful to me in regards to adjustments on my Lyman #55
Cheers!
Great video, the best one I have found on the Lyman 55 so far.
Thank you so much!! I have one, since 1996. Works great!!!
Excellent! Thanks! I just bought an old used one of these and was wondering how to set it up. I have only used the Lee version before. This was most helpful. Thanks for taking the time.
I just pickup this Lyman powder measure and I was just about to smash it with a hammer. Then I came across your video. Thanks I needed this.
I am glad that I could help, my channel does have fan funding activated
Agreed. Just picked up one at an estate sale and had no clue how to use. Much appreciated.
I was given one these by a buddy at work, I did not get any instructions. I like the funnel trick, I'll start doing that. Your reasons for making videos are why I make my gun related videos...good job Cmax
I have that exact same powder throw. Never really knew how to use it and it has just set on the shelf. I do have the lid for the hopper, but mine is metal. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the video had absolutely no idea how to work it as it didnt come with instructions. Your video made it simple and easy
Saw this powder measure at the flea market, today. Price was $2 so I bought it. Seems to meter Unique rather well. I like your trick with the funnel and will try it in the very near future. Thanks. BTW, also got a pair of RCBS mold handles for a dollar!
Thank you so much! There are countless videos here on youtube that show different reloading procedures but on a comparison basis not many of them will go into the specific details that are needed for us beginners to get a deeper understanding. I'm looking at an Ideal 55 powder measure on ebay right now that ends in just 45 minutes and so it was nice to quickly come across your video and getting to see this more in-depth break down of how it worked and if it was most likely going do the job which I need it for....the reviews have been showing a fair amount of people not liking the newer powder measures made by Lee, RCBS, and a couple others
just put the Lyman 55 opened up the orange book didn't really understand what I was reading went to your video and helped me a hundred percent like to part with the funnel thanks keep up the good work and I'll be watching your videos thank you
thank you for the comment my channel does have fan funding activated
Hi, I just picked one of these measures up and your instructions on adjusting the charge was a great help. My other measure uses a micrometer type adjustment, the new Lyman is a bit different and like the old saying goes a picture or in this case a video is worth a thousand words, thanks!
Al
Thank you very much for your video. Today I bought that type of powder horn at a gun show. of course it was used, your video is what I needed.
Thank you sir. I have a used press that came with a powder measure which was never used........
No instructions of course......
But thank you for the lesson. Great video!
Thank you for taking the time to make this video
Jeff, Thank you for the time and effort you put into this video. It was extremely helpful. Thank you.
Very informative, particularly the part about using the funnel to keep the level consistent
Hey great video I was given a Lyman press kit and had no clue how to use it this video was very helpful!
Just bought one, this was really helpful, thanks for taking the time to produce this
Peter UK
thanks, this helps. I've never used one of these before, its nice to see it done.
Just getting started and bought some used equipment. One piece is an orange colored Lyman powder measure similar to the one in your video. It’s missing the cap for the reservoir. Do you have any instructions for setting it up?
I like the funnel idea, but I suspect I would knock the unit and spill powder. I, likewise do not use the tapper weight. I find if I just work the handle with some authority to sort of slam it at the end of it's strokes, it settles the powder for more consistent charges. I always wonder, which is better, with very small charges, like 3 grains of Titegroup, is it better to set the slides for a broad shallow opening or a narrow deep opening. I never tried an experiment to see.
How do you keep the powder reservoir inserted. I have tried to screw it but it does not stay in. The threads look like they match but it does not screws in. Thanks
Thank You for the help. I had forgotten about chart on the bottom of the scale.
That was a very informative video. Right to the point and very helpful! Thank you and nice job!
Why do you dump the charge into the copper scoop? To put it on a scale to see if the desired weight is accurate? Thanks.
Thanks so much for the video. Best one I've seen on the Lyman/Ideal measure.
Not the easiest instrument to get the swing of so this video is excellent. One thing I'm not sure of...I'm attempting to calibrate the load with some scales. Can you make adjustment to the amount of load with powder still loaded in the thing or do you have to empty it of powder to change the settings?
you can adjust the the settings with powder in it
Appreciate the video! Will try the funnel idea as I have always had problems holding consistent charges.
I know this is an older video but...
I have been given one of these by my brother who has had it for many years.
I set it up and was using H4831 stick powder to throw some loads. Almost every down pull resulted in unit sticking and having to force handel down. Is this common or something not right? I set it to throw 45 grns and then used trickel to get the .7
I got one of these from my brother. It has surface rust and I am cleaning it up. Question: I can't get the plastic reservoir off (it is not the unscrew type) Also I reload 22lr and need to measure between 1 grain and 2.4 grains with .2 grain accuracy. Am I wasting my time with this?
the plastic reservoir does not come off, I believe, when you get down to 1 grain or 2.4 grains of powder I do not believe any powder measure will be able to do what you want. so you will have to use a powder trickler and weigh every charge to get that small amount accuracy
Sometimes when you're using powder it sticks to the body of whatever you're using it sometimes it'll stick to the little tray in the scale you'll notice it also sticks to the top of the reservoir tube sometimes it sticks to the funnel. That little knocker is you flick that and it gets all the loose granules that are sticking to the inside of the body of the measurer . In my opinion you start with the lever in the top position swing it down and with one of your fingers you give the knocker a little flick and then bring the lever back to the top. Probably with two or three practice swings you can conquer that.
Good review!
I just bought a Lyman unit S/H, its orange in colour so I guess its newer than your one, how accurately to you think you can measure?
Thanks for the great information, really appreciate it
how did your black powder cleaner, alc, per, peroxide do, I'm making some rite now
I like the powder funnel idea. Will definately try it. Thanks.
Ok im glad to hear that.. i do have it mounted solid. And thank you for your response.
Thanks for the video Sir, very interesting and helpful!
When you're setting it up and you say grains are you referring to the grain of the bullet
This will work for black powder also, correct?
Yes. The graduations are specifically for black powder. They read in grains by volume.
The design of the drum goes all the way back to 1892. It predates smokeless powder.
This is nothing more than a modernized Ideal No 5. Only change made were to incorporate a plastic reservoir and a set up fine screw adjustments.
Otherwise, it's an Ideal No 5.
The accuracy of the throw is really dependent on the type powder. The smaller the granule of powder makes it easier to get spot on throws. BLC2 or 2000MR meter like a champ.... 4064/ 4895 is a little more sticky.
Also don't mistake grains with granules, if you can't control the throw within 1/10 grain vs 1 or 2 grains, you should not be reloading. And clean up your slides, this is a precision instrument, get the corrosion off.
Thanks for putting the effort in for the vid though, it is helpful.
I have had one for years and love it, but ball powder and short stick powder(2400) works good. but 4895-or-4064 not so well.
Great video. new to reloading. big help. that you!!
Good vid,
thanks for funnel idea to keep a constant and consistent pressure, good idea.
Mine is light orange, same?
Great instructions. Thanks for the details.
How do you remove the clear plastic cylinder that holds the powder if you want to clean it?
+SteelTank100 I don't think you can remove it,
+TheKoba49 I used it once & dumped out the powder when I was finished & noticed lots of powder stuck to the sides of the reservoir & body. I rinsed it out a few times with alcohol but can't get to the powder still stuck below the sheet metal baffle.
+SteelTank100 You can remove the reservoir and replace it. They offer an option of the standard short and long version for it. It snaps into place, you can search for replacing the reservoir on a RCBS uniflow and see a video on it and use that way to do it. I have removed mine by holding the main body in one hand and slapping the reservoir into the palm of my other hand then turn it and do that again until it releases from the body of the powder measure. If you look at Lyman's site you can see that you can get replacements cheap for it if you ever break one of them. There was an older version (I believe version 1) that was threaded but the later versions are the "snap in" style.
EXCELLENT VIDEO!!
Perfect and exactly what I needed. Thank You!
as far as accurate - this is pretty good until I switched my powder due to shortage; The new powder is very sticky and no matter how hard I try, I end up either at 4.2 and 4.5 gn ~ I have made numbers of below pressure cartridges that resulted in stove pipes.
(my old one range is from 4.0 - 4.8 and I can get it at 4.3/4.4 everytime; these new stuff - 4.35 to 4.8 gn)
Get a baffle. Works probably better than your funnel and you don't have to keep an eye on levels near as much.
Also you kept mentioning that the measure does grains. I doubt that unless there is a volumetric grain that I am not aware of as mass grain can obviously very SIGNIFICANTLY from powder to powder. I think it probably measures in microliters. Just wanted to clear that up so nobody goes and thinks that they are throwing 4.3 grains of unique with it and actually throw twice that...
Thanks, Good video.
thanks great tip
This measure absolutely sucks for fine grain powders like H110. Constantly gums up the barrel.
Good, thanks.
what kind of potato did you shoot this video on?
Smart 👍👍
I have that measure but a different color.
that video was Spot On thanks , Long Live The 2nd Amendment
Nice video, thanks. You have frickin shaky hands though, lol.
Not cool man! He might have a medical condition like Parkinsons.....
Worst powder dispenser ever made in human history.
It never gives the same amount of powder.
NEVER!
It's a worthless piece of garbage.
RCBS competition powder measure is way better and more constant.
Lyman 55 is a total disaster.
It's the Lyman Ideal 55 made for black powder not smokeless.
It is a second generation meter that traces back directly to the Ideal No 5 of 1892. Production of the No 5 from 1892 to 1947.
Production of the No 55 from 1947 until replaced recently by the Brass Smith.
You're asking a meter who's internals were engineered way back in 1892 to throw black powder to instead throw an entirely different material with entirely different characteristics with entirely different min/max weight deviation requirements.
That unacceptable deviation with smokeless was very well within acceptable deviation of black powder. The edge of the brass drum was never engineered or intended to cut extruded powder either and will suffer severe damage if done repeatedly, the violent shaking as powder is cut by the drum also induces additional settling and deviation in the charges. This doesn't happen with black powder.
You were misinformed by decades of marketing by Lyman and lot of old men winging it. I too used to think this was a terrible design.
No. Just terrible marketing and equally terrible misapplication of the tool.
An adjustable wrench makes a terrible tire iron, not a terrible adjustable wrench.
There's a reason why Lyman adopted a properly engineered meter for smokeless. It took them long enough.
try again