Lyman Powder Measure Maintenance

[Corner Pocket]

I just recently got into reloading and in gathering up some equipment to get me started, I acquired a used Lyman "No. 55 Ideal" powder measure. I like using the thing, except for one aspect. While the top adjustment screw (the one that controls minor adjustments) turns and adjusts freely, the one below (controlling larger steps of adjustment) doesn't move well at all.

I took it apart, lubricated the threads on each screw, and tried to see if there was something I could do to make it easier to use. However, I saw nothing out of the way. I'm wondering now if I should take it apart again and lightly dress each of the surfaces with some ultra-fine sandpaper. I wouldn't want to goof it up to where I couldn't use it at all, but does this sound like a reasonable approach? Thanks!

Corner Pocket

 

[kelbro]

Use a scotchbrite pad and maybe some non-abrasive polish. Probably just a little corrosion.

 

[Sport45]

Are you saying the lock screw doesn't turn or you can't pull the large slide out easily?

Lyman 55 Instructions

 

[xtarheel]

Thanks for posting that. I was using my 25 year old Lyman 55 last night to throw 75 grain charges. I was getting a lot of powder hanging up inside. Guess it's time to disassemble it and clean it up with alcohol.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

I have three Lyman #55's.
IMHO: Probably as good a measure as anyone has ever come up with so far!

It is necessary to clean all the old hard powder dust & graphite out of them occasionally.
I Just use alcohol or lacquer thinner.

They fit perfectly when they were made, so it is unrealistic to think you need to use sandpaper to make them fit perfectly now!

Don't do it.

rcmodel