Ideal loading tool

[Chubbo]

Hi, All:
I have always wanted to own and try to load with a Lyman-Ideal 310 loading tool, so when I saw one in .38 S&W M, on e-Bay I bought it. I know nothing about these tools, and don't even know if this one is complete. It has only one die, a bullet seating die, and two other stations, one for what looks to be for primer seating, and the other a beveled throat on one side and what looks like a place for a pin that is missing, and also a retainer pin that is also missing. The old Lyman loading manual that I have, a #39, shows a 310 Ideal loading tool, but it is nothing like what I have. Can anyone help me identify the tool that I have and help me find information on it's use? If I can find info., and parts for this tool, it looks like it would be ideal to load cartridges for use in my .36 cal Navy revolver with its R&D conversion cylinder, and if not I guess I will keep it as an antique. Thanks.
Here is a picture of this tool

Chubbo

 

[30Cal]

You should have a sizing die (with decapping pin--they're standard pins and aren't too hard to find--call Lyman). You need to use lube when sizing. Before you attempt this, make sure the extractor claw (and the spring under it) on the nutcracker is intact. Otherwise, you'll end up with a case stuck in the die.

Then you'll need the primer seating die.

You should also have a case neck flare die. Just a little bit so the bullet goes in without a fight

And a seating die. Adjust the screw on the end to tweak the seating depth, the body to adjust the amount of roll crimp.

Ty

 

[Chawbaccer]

Keep searching Ebay, modern 7/8 14 dies won't fit it, you will have to get the 310 dies. Lyman made another press that used the same dies, forget the model.

 

[jondar]

I have a "tong tool" much like what you have. As posted, you will need the 310 dies. It looks like, as mine is, able to seat primers without a die. I have read that some of these old tools came with a bullet sizer hole in the tool. However the general concensus was that these holes were never in true round. Tho I have a Lyman press, I use the old tool now and then. Since it neck sizes rifle cases only, I load several .30 calibers, .303, .300S, .30-06, 7/7 Arisaka etc.with one .300 Savage dies. Of course you need both .308 and .311 expander punches to do this. I loaded for several years with the 310 dies in the old Tru-Line Jr. press and still have the .45 ACP and .44 Special dies. I see the 310 dies for sale often at gun shows, but the .38 S&W dies seem to be hard to come by.

 

[Sam]

Lyman still makes the tong tool and 310 dies in some calibers. Rifle cals are neck size only.

Somewhere I have a real old IDEAL with a built in bullet mold. Came with my first handgun.

Sam

 

[Chubbo]

Dies

Thanks Guys for the info. Jondar, I think you are right about the bullet sizing hole, as the hole in this tool is tapered, and looks to have had a rod on the other side of the tool to push a bullet through. I will take your advise and look for 310 dies, a set for .45LC, and a set for .38spc., as this tool has the .38S&W bullet seating die, and the .38LC. can be loaded in .38spc. dies with a bullet seating die for .38LC. or .38 S&W. Finding a set for .38spc. will be easier to find than .38LC. I also loaded on a Lyman trueline Jr. press, and 310 dies, back in the 1950s. Wish I still had them.
Thanks.
Chubbo

 

[Ross]

The priming punch is for domed primers, but will work with flat primers if you are gentle.
I believe the die used with this tool was the only one needed. The die crimps the bullet and slightly sizes the mouth of the case with the bullet in place.
The end of the bullet seating stem has a taper so that you can flare the mouth of the case.
All you need is the decapping part to load, but of course you can decap with a filed-down nail or a small pin punch.
The bullet sizing punch has been removed: they were seldom used anyway.
You may wish to visit the ARTCA (Antique Reloading Tool Collectors Association) and post your tool there. There is a fine picture gallery of Ideal tools you can use to help you narrow down exactly what you have. The site is free and you needn't be a member to post.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross