At a gun show on Saturday I bought an old Ideal No.3 hand reloading tool with a set of dies for 45-70. It seems quite similar to the Lyman 310 tool, although this tool may be caliber-specific, as the nutcracker-like hand press, or tong has 45-70 stamped on it. Don't know whether or not current dies for the Lyman 310 will fit it. The dies look similar the the dies which I've only seen in pictures of the 310 tool. Anybody know anything about this old tool? I figure I couldn't have gone too wrong for $10. I don't own a 45-70 yet but maybe someone who does might want a portable tool with real character that could be packed along to the range in his shooting kit. The tool and dies show their age with some pitting but all are in fine working order.
Old hand reloading tool
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I would not be surprised to find that Lyman's modern dies for the 310 tool fit the old Ideal handles.
You could contact Lyman and ask.
I used to carry a 310 set for the .45-70 to the range in order to reload while I was shooting. The dies neck size only. There are die sets for other calibers.
Pete
You could contact Lyman and ask.
I used to carry a 310 set for the .45-70 to the range in order to reload while I was shooting. The dies neck size only. There are die sets for other calibers.
Pete
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The Lyman 310 is modern version of older designs among them Ideal #3 hence the 3 in 310. If memory serves it is a fixed caliber design as you surmized. Believe the 310 dies will work but I don't have my reference materials with me. There was a web site where I downloaded various charts relating to different tools both Ideal and Lyman along with the die markings for calibers manufactured. This has been very helpful when working with the 310's.
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