Lyman Black Powder Measure 55 Instructions Manual

							#55 CLASSIC BLACK POWDER MEASURE
The #55 Classic Black Powder Measure has been designed to safely throw charges of
either black powder, Pyrodex, or smokeless powder. The measure is equipped with an alu-
minum powder reservoir and a metering cylinder enclosed in a brass housing. This eliminates
the possibility of sparks and static electricity. The #55 Classic is equipped with a powder baf-
fle for accurate, consistent charges. Certain models include an additional 24 long drop tube,
which provides up to 7% greater black powder compression. If your #55 Classic model does
not include drop tubes, they may be purchased from Lyman as an optional accessory (part no.
7767764).
Note: Please read the previous section on the #55 Powder Measure for set up instructions.
The #55 Classic functions the same as the standard #55 Powder Measure and the same
instructions will apply. Additional black powder information follows.
For Use With Black Powder or Pyrodex:
If charging rifle cases, it is recommended that the 24 two piece drop tube be used.
Assemble the drop tube by threading the ends of the two tubes into the knurled connector.
Then thread the 24 assembled tube onto the large drop tube equipped with a lock ring and
install the assembly into the bottom of the measure. Cases will be charged by holding them
against the bottom of the drop tube and working the measure. The bottom of the drop tube is
equipped with a tapered funnel, which will accept cases from 38 cal. up to 50 cal.
For best results, use the built-in clamp on the back of the measure to lock it into a shelf at a
convenient height. You will want to find a height that will allow you to easily work the meas-
ure, while also holding a case against the bottom of the drop tube.
For most black powder rifle cases, you will need to use the top, middle, and bottom slides
together. 
CAUTION: Black powder residue will be found on the powder measure body and
metering cylinder after use. This residue can cause rust to form on the cast iron powder
measure body, particularly in humid conditions. Lyman recommends that the metering
cylinder be removed from the empty powder measure (this is done by removing the slide
end plate screw and pulling the metering cylinder out of the body--see parts breakdown)
and that the inside of the powder measure body and outside of the metering cylinder be
cleaned. They should be wiped off with a damp cloth and dried with a clean cloth. Do
not oil the parts. Cleaning should be done after several uses or before storage.
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							1Reservoir Cap 7990261
2Reservoir 7990262
3Slide End Plate 7990291
4Slide End Plate Screw 7990293
5Powder Measure Body 7990256*
6Knocker Assembly 7990267
7Drop Tube Lock Screw 2990744
8Large Drop Tube 7837797
9Lock Ring 7990265
10 Small Drop Tube 7837796
11 Bench Clamp 7990268
12 Locking Screw, 
Micro Body 7990290
13 Knocker Cotter Pin 7990275
THE #55 CLASSIC BLACK POWDER MEASURE
14 Metering Cylinder 
Assembly* 7990274
15 Locking Screw,
Micro Slide 7990767
16 Black Powder Baffle 7767758
17 7/8” x 14 Adapter 7392036
18 Powder Measure Drop 
Tube (Upper)*** 7990264
19 Powder Measure Drop
Tube (Bottom)*** 7990257
20 Tube Coupler*** 7990259
*Factory assembled & fitted
**Optional Item
***Complete Drop Tube Assembly7767764 Key  Part Description  Part # Key  Part Description  Part # 
						

							THE #55
POWDER MEASURE
Clean the Measure
After unpacking the #55 measure the entire unit
should be thoroughly cleaned with a solvent (such as
alcohol) to remove any oil or preservative that might
lead to charging errors.
Setting the Measure
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. The zero line should be even with the right
hand edge of the brass sleeve and all settings of the
measure should be made with reference to this point.
Verify all settings on a scale. Never charge cases with-
out scale verification.
Optional Installation Method for Powder Measure
Many reloaders prefer to mount the #55 measure on their bench top or a simple stand by
using the clamping device on the back of the measure. This prevents spilled powder from
dirtying the press, and keeps powder charging operations from the other reloading steps.
Turret Installation
Lyman’s #55 measure may be mounted on a powder measure stand or the press’s top by
first screwing the 7/8 x 14 adapter bushing (Key 17) in the threaded die station. The #55
measure comes with two drop tubes, one with a smaller hole for case mouths under .270 Win
diameter, the other for larger diameter case mouths. Attach the included locking ring (Key 9)
to the appropriate drop tube and screw it into the adapter bushing. Place a case into the shell-
holder and raise the ram to its highest position. Lower the drop tube until it comes into con-
tact with the case. Tighten the set screw in the lock ring (Key 9) to keep from loosening.
Mount the powder measure to the drop tube tightening with the lock screw (Key 7).
Examine the Slides
The #55 measure has three slides for adjusting the powder charge cavity. The top slide is
graduated on both edges. The graduations at the front apply to this slide when used alone,
while those at the rear apply to the top and middle slide when used together. The bottom slide
is graduated on the underside. These lower marks should be regarded only as reference points
for using the entire cylinder with slides 1, 2 and 3 together.
Setting the Charges
Proper adjustment is achieved by trial and error with verifying each setting with a scale.
For best results, we suggest the slides be used as follows:
• Top slide only for light pistol use.
• Top two slides for rifles.
• All three slides for heavy rifle 
						

							Adjusting Top Slide
For light pistol loads, loosen the large diameter knurled locking screw (Key 15). Turn the
top knurled adjusting screw counterclockwise to form an opening within the metering cylin-
der assembly. Be sure to tighten the locking screw (Key 15) to maintain the selected setting.
Lift and drop the knocker assembly (Key 6) to uniformly fill the metering assembly. Rotate
the handle and drop the charge into a scale pan and verify the weight on a scale. Adjust the
slide accordingly to achieve the desired charge. Always verify with a scale after any adjust-
ments are made.
Adjusting Top and Middle Slides
For heavy pistol and rifle loads, both the top and middle slides should be used. These
should be adjusted together to achieve proper uniformity. To do this, first close the slides
completely and loosen the top knurled locking screw (Key 15). Turn the lower knurled
adjusting screw counterclockwise to form an opening within the metering assembly. By
adjusting the lower screw, both the top and middle slides will move simultaneously. Tighten
the lock screw (Key 15) to maintain the selected setting. Lift and drop the knocker assembly
(Key 6) to uniformly fill the opening in the metering assembly. Rotate the handle and drop
the charge into a scale pan and verify the weight on a scale. Adjust the slides accordingly to
achieve the desire charge. Always verify with a scale after any adjustments are made.
Adjusting Top, Middle and Bottom Slides
For heavy rifle charges, it may be necessary to use all three slides. First, close the slides
completely and be sure they are even with each other. Loosen both locking screws (Keys 12
and 15) and pull out the three slides together. Retighten the locking screws to maintain the
selected setting. Lift and drop the knocker assembly (Key 6) to uniformly fill the metering
assembly. Rotate the handle and drop the charge into a scale pan and verify the weight on the
scale. Adjust the slides accordingly to achieve the desired charge. Always verify with a scale
after any adjustments are made.
Charging the Shell
When the powder measure has been adjusted, flip the knocker several times to settle the
powder in the reservoir. Place a cartridge case in contact with the drop tube, raise the measure
handle against its stop without jarring the measure unnecessarily and return die handle to its
downward position. Flip the knocker so all of the charge will be jarred down into the case.
Notes on Powder Measure Usage
All powder measures are of a basic design and the operator must acquire the knack of using
one for best results. As you may notice, fine-grained powders will measure easily and accurately
and it is the coarse-grained ones that usually give the most trouble because the coarse grains will be
caught between the edge of the rotor (or cylinder) and the body of the measure, causing consider-
able resistance as the granules are cut.
Remember - all movements must be uniform-with the knocker operated the same number of times-
when throwing each charge. Do not tighten the clamp screw too much because it can distort the
frame and cause the cylinder to bind. Always keep the handle in the down position except
when throwing a powder charge.
* Do not use with black powder due to static electricity.
55 Powder Measure (continued) 
						

							1Reservoir Cap 7990294
2Reservoir 7998298
3Slide End Plate 7990291
4Slide End Plate Screw 7990293
5Powder Measure Body* 7990272
6Knocker Assembly 7990267
7Drop Tube Lock Screw 2990744
8Large Drop Tube 7837797
9Lock Ring 7990265
10 Small Drop Tube 7837796
11 Bench Clamp 7990268
12 Locking Screw, 
Micro Body 7990290
13 Knocker Cotter Pin 7990275
THE #55 POWDER MEASURE
14 Metering Cylinder 
Assembly* 7990274
15 Locking Screw,
Micro Slide 7990767
16 Reservoir Tube
7000 gr.** 7998299
17 7/8” x 14 Adapter 7392036
*Factory assembled & fitted
**Optional Item
Please Note:  Some parts are not interchangeable
with the #55 Classic Black Powder Measure.  Do
not attempt to convert to black powder usage.  Key  Part Description  Part #
Key  Part Description  Part #