Lyman #55 Powder Measure

Product #: 703838
| Manufacturer #: 7767783
Status: Available
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Features a unique three slide adjustable cavity. Extra fine adjustments of width and depth provide consistent charges with almost any powder. 200 grain metering capacity with an attached knocker assures a complete charge every time. The 2400 grain reservoir resists chemical action and protects your powder from harmful light rays. Mount on a bench, stand or press. 7/8"x14 adapter included. Stand not included - sold separately.

Note: Do not use this measure for black powder. Lyman makes a similar measure for use with black powder and it has an aluminum powder hopper and brass slides for powder measurement.

For More Information, Click Below to View the Lyman #55 Powder Measure Instructions:

Instructions

Application Charts & Information

Overall Rating:
4.2 out of 5
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5 stars
Tom Gaylord Gaylord of Burleson, TX
Date posted: 9/29/2007
The Lyman 55 is a universal measure. It's good for all things. However, I recently started throwing wild pistol charges, which is never good and especially not when you are loading at or near the max recommended load. After reading all the reviews on this website, I disassembled my measure and cleaned it thoroughly. It was filthy with powder and oil! Then I assembled it dry. That was all it took to restore operation to smooth and accurate once more. To the guy who complains that the hoper comes off with the top, try twisting the top off with a right-hand twist. That will screw the hopper tight in the base at the same time. When you put the cap back, use the same twisting motion. That should solve your problem, unless you have damaged the threads in the plastic hopper. I agree with the man who advises to use a deep cavity to measure rifle powders. There will be fewer grains to cut. Long-grain rifle powders are what the B&M Visible Measure is so good at.
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5 stars
Dave Landrum of Cincinnati, OH
Date posted: 1/13/2007
I have used this Powder Measure for 32 years for many rifle and pistol calibers. It is still in service and working as good as it did when it came out of the box. It does need to be wiped out after each different powder is used. I use anti-static dryer sheets which do a great job of removing residue and keeping granules from sticking to the surfaces. Not many products last 32 Years!
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5 stars
Ralph Anderson of Harrodsburg, Ky
Date posted: 1/28/2008
I started reloading in 1973 and my first powder measure is the same Lyman 55 that I am still using 35 years later. It has never failed me and consistently throws charges within 1/10 grain no matter what powder I use. It has loaded untold thousands of rounds including .38/357,.44mag., .45 acp, .223, 30/30 and 7mm rem.mag. It is truly a product that is testament to Lyman's excellent reputation and long history. Thank you Lyman.
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5 stars
George Mason of Hampton, IA
Date posted: 1/18/2008
A great powder measure for the money. I have used Redding's 3BR measure as well and let's just say I own three Lyman #55's. One has the three slide mechanism, but is not screw adjustable and it's a pain in the rear, but the screw adjustable ones are GREAT. Very consistent, even with IMR extruded powders, and all the way down to 7 grs. of Unique, I get .1 gr. consistency and I'm OCD, I weigh EVERY charge and my powder trickler is awfully dusty on my bench because of the consistency of this measure. GREAT PRODUCT!!!
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5 stars
T.D. Ball of Cody, WY
Date posted: 3/20/2004
I have used a #55 for almost 25 years. I would like to see Lyman provide a powder baffle. I made one from an aluminum can, basically an "A-frame tent" that lets powder in from the sides, not directly on the rotor. Charges set with a full hopper may tend to get lighter as the volume goes down. The baffle makes charges more consistent whether the hopper is full or nearly empty. Instead of using the "knocker" provided to settle the powder, I double tap the handle at the end of the throw in both directions. Works well.
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5 stars
Mark Vinsen of Port Van, UT
Date posted: 11/22/2002
I've been using this measure for the past 2 years to charge my 30-06, 300 Wby Magnum, 220 Swift cases and 9mm, 357 mag and45 ACP pistol cases. I find no problems with it. THe Lyman is very reliable and throws very consistent drops even for pistol volume loads. The unique thing about this measure is you don't need to buy different micrometers to load pistol and rifle. Everything you need is included in the basic package including powder drop tubes and a built in mount (table edge is all you need to mount it). The metering system is also unique in the sense that it utilizes slides rather than adjustable piston cylinder. It's a bit strange at first . But once you get the hang of it, setting is a breeze. The Lyman is a good measure, complete and reliable. I'd buy one if I had to do it all over again.
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5 stars
Russell Smith of Oklahoma city, OK
Date posted: 8/11/2002
Been using one of these for over 15 years and have had absolutely no problems with it. It drops long grain powder just fine when adjusted correctly using a short, narrow adjustment vs a long, shallow adjustment (doesn't 'cut' powder as much this way).
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5 stars
Rick S. of Chicago, IL
Date posted: 11/24/2006
In my opinion the best powder measure for big flakey powders that don't meter well in higher end measures like my Redding BR-3. Now comes with free powder baffle which in conjunction with the knocker helps the unit throw very precise charges. Works fine with finer grained powders also. It's the *if I could only have one* measure!
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5 stars
Doug Person of Clark, CO
Date posted: 5/13/2004
The Lyman 55 is very different then other powder measures. It takes getting used to. If you get one, take it apart and lube all the surfaces with a dry lubricate. I used a little mica powder that I have on hand for lubing case mouths. Otherwise, the surfaces do not slide over each other well. Unlike other measures, the 55 has course, medium and fine adjustments. Once you get the hang of it - you'll love it. Also, the drop tubes are steel. Not plastic or soft aluminum as in other models. This measure is as accurate as any including several that cost twice as much. The Lyman 55 is a great value. I highly recommend it.
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5 stars
Ewing Fox of Essex, VT
Date posted: 7/15/2009
This is a classic item, and it deserves the designation. Warren Page, of benchrest shooting fame, wrote about it back in the seventies, and he loaded thousands of rounds with it and took home tons of aggregate titles, exp. loading odd flake powders that traditionally do not meter well. I have used several of them and they all work very well. I am actually resurrecting a 30 year old measure with a cracked reservoir with a 10" Acrylic 2"OD with 1/8" wall. Just cut new threads and Voila! I made the mistake of trying Lee's measure and discovered nearly 1gr variances throw to throw! its going back in the box to midway (great cust. service!) and the antique is back on the bench to stay!
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5 stars
Luis Mariscal of Artesia, NM
Date posted: 12/29/2006
My brother-in-law and I have had ours for 8 years and have metered so true it has amazed us. We load 223, 243, 7mm WBY,30-06 and 300 WSM. We use a wide range of different type powders and brands plus different charges. Yea it takes a little time to reset but the reloading process should not be a race. PS I have made it a habit to check every tenth charge. GREAT PRODUCT!!
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5 stars
Shaun Pisk of Billings, MT
Date posted: 12/27/2009
I bought this powder flow as part of a Lyman kit. I was really used to the older style of loading with powder scoops and making my adjustments from there. I found the #55 difficult the first couple of times I used it. I use ball powder for couple of the rifles I load. I became impressed very quickly. The slide and drum style of this powder flow seems at time strange compared to a powder flow with a measureable CC micrometer. That said, this is really a great powder flow. I agree with a few other people that this is a touchy powder flow to set up. The system mainly involves an initial rough setting, fine settings and test measuring charges before using the product. But, I think the fact that you are required to do set up measurements before using the product does make this powder flow more accurate. With ball powders I'm always on without having a plus or minus. Extrude powders do cause a jerking and cutting action due to the drum and slide style charge measure. I do see a -/+ .1 with extrude powders. When loading for myself I do take the extra step of weight checking each charge. Again, this is an extremely consistent powder flow with both ball and extrude. At some point I will be using this for pistol ammo. I'll give an update on the product.
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5 stars
Mike Sathre of Boise, ID
Date posted: 6/10/2008
I have been (Grinding) out loads of H-4831, H-4350, and IMR-4350 since I started reloading in 1959. Excels for black power loads for 45-70 Government also. This Model 55 has lasted all these years as accurate as the day I mounted on my first bench. Always within a 10th of a grain w/out a hitch. Have an RCBS Uniflow that I use on my hogleg .45 Ruger but will stick with the Lyman for the (Heavy) chores. Probably should and a star or two more for this product. OUT
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5 stars
DANIEL LEE of COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
Date posted: 1/3/2010
I have been using lyman 55 for more than 35 years have found the best for any pistol reloading
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5 stars
Greg Justin of Dallas , TX
Date posted: 5/12/2003
I use this to load .223 and 44mag, 45 acp cases. It's consistent to 0.1 grain using Vihtavouri powders. Problem is that it cuts extruded powder resulting in jerky operation. However, its livable. If you use Lee powder thru expanding die, you're in luck bec the Lyman with its drop tube installed fits the die on top w/o any need for modifications. If you use the Lee turret press, the auto index works with the Lyman powder measure mounted so its highly convenient for loading. Lyman is an OK measure- built to last and consistent
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5 stars
Paul Yothers of Dalzell, SC
Date posted: 5/7/2008
This measure is a real time saver for me. I am a relative neophyte when it comes to reloading and began, initially weighing out each and every charge. Can you say TIME CONSUMING? I purchased this measure because of a few positive comments that I read about it. It also has a very competitive price for the quality of construction. Long story short: I really like this tool. One thing that I learned is that on charges over 5 grains, it is much more precise to use the two combined slides as opposed to the single length slide as recommended in the instructions. I check every tenth charge on a RCBS digital scale. Sometimes I get a 0.1 grain variation but more often than not the charge is right where I want it to be. As I am loading .45 ACP target loads, the extra 0.1 grain or, on rare occasions virtually meaningless. The amount of time that I save by not having to weigh each charge individually has allowed me to really up my output and more than makes up for any minimal deviations in velocity / pressure. The key to successful operation is to experiment with the setting until you have what you want. Trial and error will yield more than satisfactory results. I have read other reviews that were much less than complimentary to this product. My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I have loaded in excess of 800 rounds of .45 ACP with this unit and have not seen any variation that exceeded + / - 0.1 grain. Maybe that is not good for a benchrest shooter but for me, its excellent performance. I would buy another one.
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4 stars
Darrell Luskin of Fairfax, Va
Date posted: 12/30/2004
I have had my Lyman # 55 for 27 years. It has worked well for lots of pistol and rife loads with many types of powders. I recommend that you keep a loading book for the settings on the charge bars as it can save a lot of time resetting between loads. I have seen comments about not throwing exact charges , for standard loads this measure is fine. If you are working up more powerfull loads use the measure for a standard base load then trickle in powder on a scale for an exact charge. Loads at the top of any load chart should always be scaled one at a time. A advantage of this measure is that you don't need a special stand it clamps to a table or shelf and the measure comes with a die that allows the measure to be mounted onto standard thread loading presses. The Lyman 55 has been around a long long time because it's a good product.
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4 stars
Lance Dickison of Chouteau, Ok
Date posted: 11/30/2003
I've owned one for 20 years and it is without a doubt my old stand-by. The RCBS Uniflow and the Hornady tend to throw more consistent charges with the finer grained powders, but for all the complaining everyone does regarding this measure's tendency to cut extruded powder, that is precisely the reason I like it. Nothing throws more accurate extruded charges than this measure precisely because it will cut grains with no problem due to the shearing action of the cylindrical drum cavity design. I definitely recommend this measure if you're a rifle shooter and have a fondness for the extruded IMR powders, which are simply the powders of choice in many rifle calibers.
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4 stars
Ferdie Vernon of Salt Lake, NV
Date posted: 12/25/2002
I use this to load pistol rounds - 9mm, 45 acp and 44 mag using Vihtavouri N340, 350 or 110. It is well built and strong. Out of the box, you have to really clean it to remove the oil and grease it was packed with. Otherwise, powder sticks to the inside surfaces due to oil. The other problem is that it cuts powder making operation jerky. Its inherent in its design to cut powder so i learned to live with it. However, I learned to minimize it to tolerable levels. I find that a narrow but deep cavity adjustment cuts powder less and throws more consistent drops than a wide shallow one. I therefore avoid using the top slide to make a cavity. I only use the middle one which is good enough for pistol reloading - 2 grns to 25 grains. Using this method, the charges thrown never vary more than 0.1 grain. Overall, the Lyman is a good measure. Consistent, strong and worth the money.
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4 stars
Rob Voyles of Bakersfield, CA
Date posted: 9/23/2006
I have a 25 year old Lyman 55...It's been a great measure. It does cut powder occasionally when using 4895. But it still throws very consistent charges. My M1A shoots 3/4 MOA with ammo loaded with this measure. And if you know M1a's....that’s quite good.
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4 stars
Jerome K. Brounstein of Vancouver, WA
Date posted: 4/3/2008
I have been using one of these since 1965. Mine is orange. I wouldn't even consider using another brand. Once it's setup, it's very consistent.
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4 stars
John Coxe of RIVER RIDGE, LA
Date posted: 10/5/2009
I finally broke my Lyman 55s operating handle after 35 years of use. I think that I got my moneys worth. This product shines when loading varying loads for rifles. Just a half turn on the coarse adjustment knob and you have moved about 1/2 grain on most rifle powders. Drop the first load, weigh it and move up or down, then throw the balance of your charges. I find this measure indispensable for load development. If you already know your powder charges, a micrometer equipped measure like the Redding 3 might be better, but for load development, with lots of changes as you work up loads, this basic little measure works extremely well. One very nice feature is the clamp on the back of the measure, which allows you to attach it to your bench when needed and then put it away as needed.
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4 stars
David Jones of Coeur d Alene, ID
Date posted: 10/7/2002
Definitely tricky to adjust at first. But once set, is very accurate and repeatable. Only used with ball powder so far but works very well. Have loaded with this measure for about 3 years now it it performs like new. Will throw very accurate small charges as well as large ones.
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4 stars
Bill Armstrong of North Kingstown, RI
Date posted: 1/8/2006
The measure has been great for me, although the powder reservoir is a flop. The plastic degrades after a while and will pull off the unit when you remove the cap. This results in powder spilling all over my bench. My Lee has better plastic.
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4 stars
Jim Brown of San Antonio, TX
Date posted: 4/29/2002
Well made and constructed. Throws very accurate loads using either 2400 or Bullseye powders. I haven't tried it with 4895 or 4350 as yet. A little bit tricky to figure out how to adjust - at first - then it all falls into place! Overall, I am very satisfied with mine.
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3 stars
Allan Collins of Ogden, KS
Date posted: 3/8/2002
With powders like 4831 & 4227, it "cuts" the grains, resulting in jerky operation. Also, for some reason the one I have drops a lot of light loads.
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3 stars
Don Cheeseman of Hockley, TX
Date posted: 1/16/2010
I have owned and used the Lyman 55 since 1978. Overall, it's a solid product and, if you're loading handgun rounds for target practice, you'll be generally satisfied with the results you get from this device. Mine was (still is) mounted in an old Lyman Spartan turret press. If you're needing consistently accurate powder charges then this is probably not the powder dispenser to choose. The loads tend to fluctuate up and down, even with the use of the knocker device. Having said that, I *do* continue to use it, for revolver rounds used at the range for target practice and it continues to deliver suitable charges (with variations) for ammunition made for that purpose. If you are going to load rifle ammunition for hunting, then use something else. This won't give you what you want. Solidly built and mine has never experienced any mechanical problems.
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2 stars
Jon Aldridge of New Bern, NC
Date posted: 4/19/2008
I have two 55's, one from a kit I bought 15 years ago and one I just bought and I have the same problem with both. The small adjustment screw on top of the brass plate for smaller loads is stripped on both. I didn't get one round loaded with the new one before I boxed it back up. I won't buy one again.
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2 stars
Ed S of Phoenix, AZ
Date posted: 10/12/2005
I noticed that all the positive reviews appear to be people that have owned it for a number of years. Had mine for less than a year and am a little disappointed. Possibly quality isn't where it used to be. The reservoir actually degraded and separated from the measure. Guess it reacted with the powder. Appears the only place that sells it is Lyman, so I will need to get it there. Also charging drifts, and is not as positive as it could be.
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2 stars
Charles Schutz of Lenox, MA
Date posted: 10/26/2004
Nice sturdy construction, and a good price but that is about it I can say positively about this powder measure. Mine will rarely through consistent charges with any type of rifle powder. It will throw under or over the intended dialed in charge up to five 10th grains difference. In addition, the charge adjuster is very finicky to use and hard to see what setting you on. In addition, powder tends to stick in the measure so it has to be dissembled and cleaned before another powder is placed in the hopper. I would not recommend this measure to anyone.
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2 stars
J Targ of Folsom, CA
Date posted: 3/27/2005
Pass on this one. I got one with a Lyman Turret Press kit a year ago and have cussed it ever since. Finally replaced it with an RCBS Uniflow and what a difference! I now spend more time pumping out rounds that fiddlefussing around with the powder measure. The fit and finish of the Lyman are fine, but the adjustment mechanism(s) are poorly designed and the powder drum has a large bearing surface which results in jerky motion and inconsistant throws with most powders. The powder drum of the RCBS Uniflow is better designed and much smoother. Also, the RCBS powder adjustment system is much better and can be locked down once set. My Lyman always drifted after 10-20 or so throws and had to be reset. The RCBS rarely drifts even after hundreds of throws. Why I put up with this measure for so long is a mystery!
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