Lyman Tong tools

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Chubbo

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Just dug out two Lyman tong tools from my collection of "do some day" projects. the first one is for .38 S.&W. M. Don't know what the M stands for.
It is in good tight condition, it has the attachment that looks like the case mouth expander/bullet seater, but is missing the other parts. the other tool is for .30-06, and is missing all the parts but the case head slide holder. It also looks to be in good tight condition. Would I be likely to swap for the one tong tool that I really need, a .38/.357, or would I be likely to find the parts needed to complete the two sets, and sell both complete? Where would I find those parts needed?
Chubbo
 
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The original working name for the .357 Magnum during development in the mid-1930s was the .38 Smith & Wesson Magnum. By the time the guns and ammunition were released the name .357 S&W Magnum was finalized. Is it possible the die you have dates this early? If not then I wouldn't have the slightest!

Die sets, and parts, for several calibers are still available from Lyman. I don't believe .30-06 is one of them. They are expensive way out of proportion to the value of the tool as a practical loading device. There are those who collect old reloading tools, but like all antiques originality is what brings the premium. It is highly unlikely that you would ever be able to sell the completed tools for anywhere near the amount it would cost you to buy the replacement parts. Better to take them to a gun show and get what you can as-is if you don't want to keep and use them!

Gun shows are also the best venue in which to buy the odds and ends you need to complete the sets, it may take several shows ans years to find what you need.
 
castboolits.com has a section dedicated to 310 tong tools. They used to have a link to a guy that bought sold and traded tongs and dies and complete sets. You probably only need the dies for 357, they can be ordered from Midway and others. Or you may be able to trade over in that sub forum. I have six tongs in 3 sizes (hornet, small, & large) and about 10 or 12 different cartridges I can load. Most of the tongs are "Ideal" with one I bought new marked "Lyman" it is aluminium, and not near as nice! When using the tong tools, getting a consistent powder charge has always been the important part of loading in the rough. Homemade and Lee dippers were the choice until cheap electronic dope scales became available. If you are going to load Trail Boss, Black Powder, or substitutes; I believe a dipper would still be the way to go. Just remember: ALWAYS compress Black Powder and NEVER compress Trail Boss! Ivan
 
USPS solved this problem for me.

Hi, All,
Well, the USPS solved the problem of what to do with these two Lyman tong tool sets. I found a buyer for these tools, sold them to him, and shipped them by USPS to Montana. While in transit employees of the USPS must have taken a liking to them, reported them lost, and then claimed to have sent them to a lost and found facility in Atlanta , GA. They never arrived there, and my local USPS store will not admit that the lost, and found facility in Atlanta exists. After many inquiries at many USPS facilities, by both the buyer, and myself, I find the situation is very efficiently blocked, and can get no satisfaction from USPS on the missing tong tools at all. I have I never been reimbursed for them. It has been over two years ago, and I have never heard another word about the matter. I think the USPS folks really know how to cover for each other. Great protection plan set up for them, by them, don't you think? If I sound a little bitter on the situation, i'ts only because I am.
Chubbo
 
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I have a IDEAL tong tool in .38S&W.M and they make perfect .38spl rounds.
I have been told that the markings stand for .38 S&W "Military" (.38special)

Sorry for your problems.
 
Over two years later

Well, there has been two years and a couple of months, go by, since my last post on this problem, and I'm even more bitter about workers of the USPS taking my two sets of Lyman tong tools, and claiming they were lost. They claimed they never did find them. I also admire their managers even more over time, for effectively blocking all efforts to recover the tools or the insurance money, and thereby protecting their employees, by claiming that they never received them for shipment, at all! Some pretty snazzy maneuvering, one has to admit! When their many talents are considered, I regard the USPS with the highest esteem
 
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Well, the USPS solved the problem of what to do with these two Lyman tong tool sets. I found a buyer for these tools, sold them to him, and shipped them by USPS to Montana.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry to hear about your lost package. Off-topic, but I lived overseas for 16 years and had two valuable items stolen while in-transit with USPS. Even though I was able to provide receipts for both - I never received a penny back - but only one was insured. I use USPS all the time to send trinkets I sell on fleaBay - but I'll never spend a nickel on their worthless insurance. Back on topic - my oldest brother had a tong tool many, many years ago. I think it was in .45AR (he had a Colt 1917) but I don't remember - the one thing I do remember is a person had to have gorilla hands and forearms to be able to use it ...
 
I happen to have many tong tools and dies. If someone actually need something I may have it. I was seriously thinking of weighing them and listing them all for sale on fleabay. I will have to keep the 45-70 and 22Hornets. I have at least fifty pounds worth. A fellow down the road tried to sell me a True Line Jr press yesterday
 
Skeet 028 said:
I happen to have many tong tools and dies. If someone actually need something I may have it. I was seriously thinking of weighing them and listing them all for sale on fleabay. I will have to keep the 45-70 and 22Hornets. I have at least fifty pounds worth. A fellow down the road tried to sell me a True Line Jr press yesterday
Click to expand...

Skeet, you owe it to yourself to try that cute little TL Jr press if you already have all those 310 dies... most of them will work for both. I can say I've personally loaded 45-70 (along with 32-40, 38-55, 38 Spl, ad infinitum) both ways. The fun of using that little press has to be experienced to be believed. :D

Froggie
 
I have used those presses much in the past. They work fine but of course do not really size cases. I sold my last one about a year ago as I just didn't use it any longer. I load a small batch of 30-30 on a tong tool with 10.5 gr Unique and a 170 gr cast bullet. I will do 50 rounds of 32 Special this fall for one of the old 64 Winchester levers I have. Probably the one with the Bolt Peep. Paid a lot for the ole girl but I just gotta shoot it
 
All 310 die sets will work in a Tru-Line Jr. Tru-Line die sets won't have the priming die! I have a junk box full of unknown dies for these tools Some have an ID number on them and some don't, I have an old Lyman list for the expander plug numbers, but everything else is a mystery.

Old dies were blued instead of chrome plated, so when they are found they are often rusty. Clean the rust in your favorite method (Hydrochloric acid works but is a bit much!) lightly oil and you are back in business. I have some from just after WWII and 6.5 Jap and 7.7 Jap were quit popular as well as 8mm Mauser. If you have a 6.5 die it is good for all the 6.5's just use the proper shell holder and adjust for length.

Also note; Lyman still makes a bushing so that 310 dies may be used in a 7/8-14 press. It is marketed as an adapter for the Lyman 55 powder measurer. Then you can use normal/modern shell holders.

A couple of winters ago, I loaded 500 38 Specials in a single stage press and 100 in a 310 tool. The 100 took about 3 times longer than the 500! But these tools have their place as field expedient loaders!

Ivan
 
I have used the 310 dies with a RCBS press and found if not very careful it is very easy to bend decapping rods and pins even on presses such as the Lyman All American. I bought a Highway patrolman from a WWII vet and he gave me his reloading set of a Lyman tong tool with the gun. Even got primers and Bullseye powder. Going to sell it all together one day.
 
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