Ideal loading tool

[Don McDowell]

Doc brought me over an old Ideal tong tool for the 38-40. It's one of those that has the bullet mould built on the end of the handles.
I cast a few bullets with it today, they dropped at .403 from 16-1 and the size hole sized them to .401. They weighed in at 167 grs, and amazingly held very uniform. The mould has no vent lines, and the sprue plate has a mind of it's own.
Anyway have loaded up a dozen rounds using the tool, and maybe will run them thru the Marlin Saturday to see just how they shoot..
It's a really neat tool to have around but sure isn't anything that would be good for loading a large amount of ammo. But assuming a box of 50 was probably a years supply back in the day, it serves quite well for that.

[Nuclearcricket]

Yep they sure are not for any kind of production loading but they will make very serviceable ammunition. Kind of sounds to me like Doc takes pretty good care of you as that is a very nice piece to go along with your marlin and colt. It will be interesting to hear how those bullets and loads work out. Its also nice to have a period correct bullet and from that you can have a mold cut to duplicate it if need be.
Sam

[Kurt]

I had one made up for the .44-77 and this will work for the .44-75 and the .44-100. The sizing die for the .44-77 will work with the other straight walled cases. I also made up a compression die and have a depriming pin.
Great little pack tool.

[Don McDowell]

This one is way simple. It has a hole to size the bullets, one to hold the empty case while you prime it, and then you dump in the powder charge and set the bullet in the case then push it up the loading chamber, it sizes the case mouth and crimps the bullet in all in one fell swoop. I suppose they meant for the depriming to be done with an ice pick or similar.

[bruce moulds]

don,
do you have a photo of that bullet?
keep safe,
bruce.

[Don McDowell]

No Bruce I don't have any pictures, but you can see the bullet its 401043 in Lyman's current line.

[Don McDowell]

   
   

[Nuclearcricket]

All things considered, its age and such, that's a pretty nice rig Don. And the Colt ain't too shabby either.
Sam

[Don McDowell]

thanks Sam

[Don McDowell]

Didn't run any thru the Colt, but that old Marlin seemed to think they was ok First 6 down the tube at 75 yds offhand.