View Full Version : Bringing out some archived reloading tools.
With the apparent and oncoming shortages of handgun ammo I thought it only prudent to bring out some gear that I haven't used since the last century in preparation.
First photo is my Lyman hand loader for 38/357. Second photo from left to right Wells 9mm set of dies, Lee 9mm and Lee 38/357 both of which work in conventional modern presses.
Been so long I had forgotten about scooping powder according to " loading tables". Whatta Hobby!
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somewhere in the garage I have the full set of Lee scoops, with the chart to show you which to use,
have not used a scoop since I retired the old Whack A Mole lee loader I started with back in the early 80's
I would venture to guess these tools haven't been used since the 70s. Used to, at that time, shoot a ton of wheel guns. I am afraid the days of enjoying punching paper with a pistol have long passed. Being ready for the zombies has made me thing of these again.
My first rifle loading real press. Bought this old rock chucker and the 7x62 Russian dies in about 1969. Press has loaded well over 100k cartridges of different calibers in that period of time. Just moved her into semi-retirement after 50+ years and put in a Forster Co-ax.
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Major Tom
02-21-2021, 06:31
I wish I had kept my 1967 RCBS Rockchucker press. Back then all my reloading equipment was RCBS. Now it's all Lee stuff.
Fellows recently convinced me to try a Forster Co-ax. Wish I had listened to them years ago. Much easier to operate, no shell holders and aftermarket addition of a right angle handle,led lighting and curved linkage make it a joy for this old codger.
https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/x413/nf1e/New%20Forster%20press_zpsf40yubxo.jpg (https://app.photobucket.com/u/nf1e/p/dafbf275-cde5-4f6d-9ade-df92c4336c48)
I think I mentioned in another thread,
the Co-Ax was a press I picked up at the same time I picked up a Dillon 550,
before that I used the Whack A Mole type lee,
the Co-Ax gets way more time than either other press, and I'm up to 5 now
That old Rock Chucker simply needs some TLC. It'll still do the job. Also made before RCBS castings were relegated to China.
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Also have a couple of 310 Tools and three different sets of Lee Scoops.
jjrothWA
02-26-2021, 07:52
Original Lee scoops were of dark red plastic, then the "CC" scoops are bright yellow plastic.
Still using a Lee loader for some.308Wfrom the early seventies.
My bench presses are RCBS from the 70's andmid 80's/
Original Lee scoops were of dark red plastic, then the "CC" scoops are bright yellow plastic.
Still using a Lee loader for some.308Wfrom the early seventies.
My bench presses are RCBS from the 70's andmid 80's/
The older set that I have has a black box dated 1966 and the spoons are black. The newer box is white with yellow spoons and is dated 1978. The newest box that I have is also white with yellow spoons and also dated 1978, but has provisions for two other spoons.
I took a Whack-a-Mole Lee loader from a friend of mine one moring. He had set off a couple of primers. I gave him a Lyman 310 Tool to keep in te caliber he was loading. The Lee went in the trash.
Just gave my 1970's Lyman Spar-T to a young man to help him get started. I am using a newer version. Have a RCBS that I use for sizing bullets.
Not trying to "out old" anyone, but I still have my first and only press; a Pacific C, made 1932 to 1936 according to the folks at the Antique Reloading Forum. Uses the Spangle Auto Primer Attch. Handle is press fit, not screwed in, and it has the original rubber grip. Still makes good, accurate rifle/pistol cartridges. Reloading is relaxing and fun; I don't shoot hundreds of rounds and there is no pressure to load for the next competition this coming weekend. Used to shoot when I wanted and however much I wanted, never just to see how fast I could. A day at the Ben Avery range used to be an all day affair for $7.50. Now, thanks to the Chinese Virus, we have to make an appointment in 1 hour increments, for now, twice the normal range fee ($14 @ hr).
Think that will ever go back to "normal"? As Ron Immanuel said "Never let a crisis go to waste".
challenge accepted,
I have a vintage Hollywood at the shop,
I'll see if I can get a pic of it tomorrow,
think Turret press, but huge,
no idea of date
meanwhile my Co-Ax is likely 50's or 60's production (brown crinkle paint)
and my Texan alloy C press and CH4 O press are probably 60's
Long as they work who give a flying hoop.
I have a friend that has a Hollywood. Bought it as his first press and is now trying to find the extra handles for the left side attachment.
Long as they work who give a flying hoop.
I have a friend that has a Hollywood. Bought it as his first press and is now trying to find the extra handles for the left side attachment.
the one I have is a giant turret,
it has a large opening for each die, and the modern dies need an adapter,
I'm headed to the shop in a few, I'll try to remember to drag it out and get pics
it's about 25" tall,
handle to handle is 18" or so wide,
turret moves,
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They sure looked tough enough to handle about anything. Thanks
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