Reloading stuff in Amish Country

[Drm50]

Come down to SE Ohio, we got some we don’t need. They don’t mix well with families that have been here since before Ohio was a state.

 

[Skeet 028]

And a direct descendant from Lancaster County Mennonite's River Brethren sect has infiltrated the board. Strict Amish orders are decreasing in number, and some don't even know how to make a proper shoofly pie.

My first wife was once removed from that Lancaster Co sect. But she did know how to cook...So did her momma. They drove a car(black) and used tractors. Got along better with her mother and sister than I did with her. One Sunday a month the 2 girls and I would stay on the farm milk whatever while her mother and father went to church up in Lancaster Co. So I guess they weren't too far removed

 

[Green Frog]

Ivan, congrats on your find. Let me mention for those who don’t know, the TL dies will screw into 310 tools but are not 100% interchangeable. The sizing die from 2 die TL sets are the biggest problem in 310s, especially when you try to pull the sizing ball (rifle die) back up through the case neck. Also, most of the TL pistol die sets I’ve seen had full length sizing dies that work a 310 tool (and the user) waay too hard!

I’ve got a TruLine Jr press I leave bolted to my bench… I don’t use it much any more, but I love having it there. I especially like it for loading 32 S&W Long… it just seems appropriately scaled. As cheaply as TL Jr presses can be found, it might be worth your while to pick one up.

Froggie

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I’ve got a TruLine Jr press I leave bolted to my bench… I don’t use it much any more, but I love having it there. I especially like it for loading 32 S&W Long… it just seems appropriately scaled. As cheaply as TL Jr presses can be found, it might be worth your while to pick one up.

Froggie

I've been looking for a Tru-Line press for 40 years. The few I saw were riced like the were made of Gold!

Like I said in the OP, the dies and shell holders are all in the wrong boxes. The 45 Colt die is FL. I'll see if backing it out a way will do an acceptable neck size. I have several Rifles sets and hadn't tried them, since I have 117 different cartridges with 7/8-14 dies (sometimes 3 or 4 sets). I just like the field portable idea.

Later this spring I plan on assembling stand-alone kits for 45-70. 45 Colt & 38 Special. They will be Lee Loaders or 310 sets with powder scoops, bullet molds and lube pan. I'll have 300 primers, 1/4 to 1/2 pound of powder, and some bullets. Most likely use a 30 Cal. ammo can as the carry case, maybe something smaller and lighter. Probably include basic cleaning and service tools.

Ivan

 

[Paul105]

Back then, even a Caveman could do it !!

A progessive, anything, is nice to have if you have one.

However;
there were times that I gritted my teeth when I was loading
shotgun shells and goofed, with the pellets and power,
every now and then.

A 1 1/8 oz. of #8's, can go all over the pace and make a big mess.

I remember that well - what a pita.

 

[Green Frog]

Ivan, drop me a PM and I’ll see what I can do to help you out.
Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

Ivan,

You keep referring to a “Tru-Line Press”. Are you talking about the Jr or Sr? The former was a turret press that always used dies that at least superficially resembled the 310 dies while the Sr was another beast altogether. The Sr was more like the Co-Ax type of presses but not as strong. It was similar to the “Ezy Loader” and both used some strange die and shell holder modifications.

Also, you mentioned “True-Line shell holders”. Are you talking about the regular J type shell holders or the special ones made by Lyman with extra cuts for the primer feed as used on the Ezy Loader and TruLine Sr?

The idea of a portable reloading set up in an ammo can is one that has been attractive to many of us for a long time. I used it, either with 310 tools or Lee Loaders for decades, and either one will yield fine ammo. like you, I have 7/8X14 die sets for a bunch of rifles and pistols (everything I shoot and some left over!) and at one time tried to have 310 tools and Lee Loaders for all of them as well. Now I have reduced the number somewhat but I still keep rediscovering “lost” sets. My favorite set of 310 dies has become my 32 set that I can use for all lengths, 32 S&W-327 FM and my 9 mm set, but I’ve also kept sets for 38/357, 44 Spl/Mag, and both 45 ACP & Colt. The rifle sets are a hodge pudge but two special favorites for my single shots are 32-40 & 45-70.

One additional note about dies; it is almost a sure thing that 310 dies will work on a Tru Line Jr press, but the reverse is not always the case.

Best regards,
Green Frog

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I was referring to the Tru-Line Jr. the shell holders are whatever the Jr. uses. Since I never found an affordable press, I never became familiar with them.

Judging by the mess of mismatched dies and boxes, I would guess a reloader died or went into a care facility and someone that known nothing about reloading boxed it up and turned it into cash.

The 38 SWC bullet mold is in a Lyman mold box, but for a 7.7 Jap./303 Brit. box. I assume the 303 mold is on the handles somewhere else. Growing up, my kids never really reloaded, but they understand the principles and equipment. They person was totally clueless.

Ivan

 

[Jebus35745]

I have been in Millers Gun Shop years ago, nice set up. Bought a hat there I liked but it finally gave up its ghost. We usually go around the Berlin area, is that close to where you visit? What are the names of the shops. Now we visit Middlefield more frequently. Nice catch on the items you found, Larry

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Miller's is the shop I bought the gear in, the other shop was in Berlin.

Ivan

 

[Green Frog]

Ivan, I never had to pay more than about $25-35 for a TL Jr press back when I was actively building my collection of Lyman stuff… at one time I had 4-5 of them around here. I doubt if I’d have trouble finding one now for $50-75 with a little searching. With the good gun shows you still have in Ohio, you should be able to find one with a little serious searching. It’s up to you whether it would be worth your while to seek on out. If I were going to use one for rifle cases, I’d look for a later one with the inverted Y shaped linkage rather than the straight bar… the extra leverage would be worth it.
Froggie

 

[CH4]

Like I mentioned in the opening post, we went to TWO Amish gun stores. From experience these are the best two of the 8 I know about in the area.

When on long bike rides, we sometimes get to the Southern limits of this area of Amish. In the last 2 years, we see Amish riding ELECTRIC BICYCLES! Different sects have different beliefs. My grandfather's farm is in a different Sect's area. They aren't allowed bicycles at all, because they have AIR FILLED TIRES!

Ivan

Aren’t horses full or air?

 

[AJ]

I've been looking for a Tru-Line press for 40 years. The few I saw were riced like the were made of Gold!

Like I said in the OP, the dies and shell holders are all in the wrong boxes. The 45 Colt die is FL. I'll see if backing it out a way will do an acceptable neck size. I have several Rifles sets and hadn't tried them, since I have 117 different cartridges with 7/8-14 dies (sometimes 3 or 4 sets). I just like the field portable idea.

Later this spring I plan on assembling stand-alone kits for 45-70. 45 Colt & 38 Special. They will be Lee Loaders or 310 sets with powder scoops, bullet molds and lube pan. I'll have 300 primers, 1/4 to 1/2 pound of powder, and some bullets. Most likely use a 30 Cal. ammo can as the carry case, maybe something smaller and lighter. Probably include basic cleaning and service tools.

Ivan

Have a Tru-Line Jr. that was given to me with a bunch of dies. Also have several 310 Tools. All sit on shelves in my assortment of stuff that I call a collection.

 

[Model19man]

I use a weelwright who happens to be Amish in Berlin, Ohio. His name is Noah Stutzmann and he does a fine job. He employs a Mennonite who is able to use the telephone. There is no electricity there, but they do an outstanding job.