How To for Cowboy Reloading Around the Campfire

[Ivan the Butcher]

I still load .38 S&W with a Lyman 310.

This looks like one of the aluminum tong tools. The earlier/earliest ones were forged not cast.

Ivan

I have an 1896 Lemon Squeezer, a 1920 Regulation Police and at least 6 assorted Iver Jonhson and H&R 38 S&W's (Including my Grandfathers!). I have used 38 Super sizer die and 9mm expander, seat, and crimp dies. I keep looking for an affordable 310 die set! Would like a 146 RN mold also.

 

[DWalt]

I use a Lyman tong tool only for loading .45-70 for my Trapdoor Springfield. Seems more historically authentic.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use a Lyman tong tool only for loading .45-70 for my Trapdoor Springfield. Seems more historically authentic.

That must be very cool, I like the idea.

 

[TIMETRIPPER]

I have a pile of the old Ideal reloading tools and most all of them have a bullet mold. All but three are missing the decapper pin but the pin that comes with the Lee case trimmer set will work perfectly, cartridge specific of course.
I've used many of the molds for casting hard to find calibers such as 32 S&W, 32-20, 32-40 and 38-40 and they do the job, other than the handles heating up quickly.

Here's a site with lots of good info on the old Ideal tools. Ideal Reloading Tools . They were the predecessor of the Lyman 310 tong tool.

Also have one Winchester made tool for the 32-40. It is missing the decapping pin but the Lee pin will work. It is a very slow process to use.

John

 

[Green Frog]

I’ve owned at least one 310 set since about 1978 when I bought one in 380. It didn’t get much use, but the old nickel #3 (boxed, complete) set I got within a year for 32 S&W Long is still used occasionally. I probably got the biggest kick out of loading the lold hyphenated calibers like 32-40, 45-70, etc, but also enjoy 9mm and 38 Spl. BTW, if you can find steel handles, either caliber specific or universal like the more recent aluminum alloy type, they add extra cool factor.

Froggie