Video - Loading black powder cartridges with a Lyman 310 Tong tool

[duelist1954]

In this video we load black powder .38 Spl cartridges for a Colt 1851 Navy cartridge conversion revolver using a Lyman 310 Tooll...just like great grandpappy used to do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7JQgqnY6Uk

 

[pohill]

Good video. I've never reloaded, but I plan on doing it soon (black powder, 50-70). I've been checking out the different presses and wondered how that one would be - it looks slow but interesting.
Question: how much contact/compression between black powder and the bullet is needed?

 

[duelist1954]

Hi Pohill, The amount of compression varies with the caliber you're loading and the brand of powder you are using. For instance Swiss prefers little to no compression while Goex gives its best results when compressed.

For the .50-70, assuming you will use Goex 2Fg, I'd expect you'll get your best results with 1/10th to one quarter inch of compression.

 

[Prairie Dawg]

Thanks Mike:
Just picked up a 310 tool myownself in 38 special & want to add a 44-40 as well.
Nice video.
Keep 'em comin'
I learn something every time I watch one.
--Dawg

 

[Kaeto]

Can you load .38 Special smokeless using the 310 tool?

 

[junkman_01]

Of course. It wasn't made exclusively for black powder. The only difference between a BP .38 Spl. and a smokeless .38 Spl. is the powder in it. The tool doesn't know the difference!

 

[arcticap]

The Lyman tool isn't very much different in function than the portable Lee Breech Lock Hand Press that's current production and which uses the conventional standard dies and shell holders. My son has one and while he hasn't used it yet, it seems to be sturdy enough for reloading pistol cartridges.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc...Reloading Presses-_-PriceCompListing-_-665540

Does the Lyman 310 use specialty dies made only for use with that tool?

 

[junkman_01]

arcticap,

I have and use that Lee tool when I need to reload on the road. It works great for reloading in a motel room. I have loaded both pistol and rifle cartridges on it with no problems. It use standard 7/8-14 dies. The Lyman 310 tool uses smaller proprietary dies.

 

[Montenegrin]

duelist1954,

Are you using Howell Conversion Kit with barrel lined to .358 or you are using hollow base wadcutter 38s?

 

[duelist1954]

Articap, I have loaded thousands of rounds on the Lee Hand Press. For about 15 years it was my only press. But I wanted to try the Lyman 310 for historical interest.

Montenegin. My Howell conversions are all lined to .357". I have three of them. I had a conversion made by Ray Hindle, who is no longer in the business that used the original .375 bore, and I had to use hollow base bullets in that. I eventually had Kenny re-convert it with a new cylinder and a lined barrel.