Author Topic: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser  (Read 3309 times)

Offline Black River Smith

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Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« on: April 20, 2017, 09:53:04 PM »
It was my understanding that the older-older gray 55 dispenser with an aluminum hopper could or was designed to handle actual blackpowder.  I am not just referring to the graduation markings but that it was truly sold as a dispenser for blackpowder loads.

Now, the one I have does have a clear plastic hopper that I do not know how to remove (don't believe it come off like an RCBS hopper).  But my question for some of you long time reloaders (I been doing it for only 29yrs)[here come the crazy idea] if I made an aluminum hopper cylinder that would fit inside the plastic one, would this negate the issue of static ignition?  What I understand to be the main no-no about using modern dispensers and BP.

Another quetion is - since blackpowder now comes in a black plastic containers rather than metal cans why can't the plastic hoppers be used, as is? Is it a special type of plastic?  Believe me  I have seen and fought with my share of static cling in several different manufactures hopper, sooo I know it is real but....

Thanks for any comments
BRS
Black River Smith

Offline Pettifogger

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2017, 11:18:20 PM »
Lots of people have used plastic hoppers with BP for years.  If you look on the Internet you can find static electricity tests with BP.  The tests indicate you can't generate enough energy in a hopper for it to ignite BP.  I have used standard Dillon powder measures with BP for years.  They are constructed of non-ferrous materials.

Offline Ranch 13

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2017, 08:35:19 AM »
Before the Lyman lawyers got spooky, those old 55's with the clear polymer tubes, the slides were calibrated to drop the charge weight set on the slides of Dupont 2f blackpowder.
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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #3 on: Today at 06:31:24 AM »

Offline Coffinmaker

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2017, 03:49:42 PM »
PLUS ONE to Pettifogger.  Worrying about "static ignition" is a waste of time better spent eating ice cream.  There is no need to line your hopper.  If your really nervous, just wipe out the inside of the hopper with a "Bounce" dryer sheet.

Coffinmaker

Offline Black River Smith

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2017, 05:15:37 PM »
Thanks for the comment and experienced advise.

Good to know info.
Black River Smith

Offline wildman1

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2017, 10:19:54 PM »
PLUS ONE to Pettifogger.  Worrying about "static ignition" is a waste of time better spent eating ice cream.  There is no need to line your hopper.  If your really nervous, just wipe out the inside of the hopper with a "Bounce" dryer sheet.

Coffinmaker
Yepper works great DO NOT use the smelly ones.
wM1
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Offline Coffinmaker

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2017, 11:16:19 AM »
One little (HUGE) detail I forgot to mention.  It is very important to CLEAN you powder measure at the end of each loading session.  Be sure to clean the residue from ALL the moving parts, i.e. the drum, powder bar, etc. and the mortice or cavity they ride in.  This step becomes VERY important if you load Subs.

Coffinmaker

Offline reno

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2017, 09:17:22 AM »
Here is another question some will laugh at. I have loaded for 40 plus years, with no problems. I have used a RCBS Little Dandy Powder measure for years with smokeless powders. I use a 24" drop tube with a funnel on top for Black Powder and a 2.2 cc Lee dipper for my 44/40 and 38/40 loads of 2FF. I was thinking of using the Little Dandy for Black Powder but always though of the static thing, and wondered if the rotor when turned would be enough if cutting a granule to cause a spark and ignite the powder. And I don't know yet what rotor to use to match the 2.2 cc load for the 44/40, which is about 32gr. As I have many rotors, I might try pouring 2FF into the rotors till I get the right volume as the 2.2 cc dipper. As many of you know a lot more than myself, I sure would like your advice, and if it would be wise to try.
Thanks

Offline reno

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Re: Question about older gray Lyman 55 powder dispenser
« Reply #8 on: October 31, 2017, 09:44:27 AM »
Now that I think about it, I don't know if they make a big enough rotor to hold 32gr. of 2FF Black Powder, will have to check.
Thanks again

 

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