How common is the vintage 44 WCF ideal tool?

[Stopsign32v]

I like the all in one cowboy vintage handloading ideal tools and I guess 44-40 would be the one to have. How common are they? I've run across a rough shape one for $39 and was wondering their value and if I will ever come across another one again?

[BrassMagnet]

310 tool or the older one with a mould attached?

[Outpost75]

Lyman makes new tools for the Cowboy shooters. Expect to pay about $80 for the handles and $50 for the dies...

Try Buffalo Arms https://www.buffaloarms.com/reloadin...-310-tool-dies

[BrassMagnet]

Lyman makes new tools for the Cowboy shooters. Expect to pay about $80 for the handles and $50 for the dies...

Try Buffalo Arms https://www.buffaloarms.com/reloadin...-310-tool-dies

These are expensive!
There are many ways to find 310 tools at less than half of these prices!

[Stopsign32v]

310 tool or the older one with a mould attached?

The old one with the mold as part of the cast.

[Bent Ramrod]

The No. 4 tool in .44-40 is a fairly common example of the type. I don't mind a lack of finish as long as the cavity is good. If all it lacks is finish and the decapping punch, $39 isn't too outrageous, I guess.

A nice one with most of the nickel plate might go for $50-100. But the caliber isn't rare.

Some were heavily used, enough to wear the crimping shoulder down in the seating chamber. But most people don't use them as their primary reloading setup, so it generally doesn't matter.

[Stopsign32v]

This one is pitted and rusted. So I guess I will pass. Thanks for the information.

Where would be the best place to look for one for sale? I'd like one good example to have. Not too worried about price.

[BrassMagnet]

This one is pitted and rusted. So I guess I will pass. Thanks for the information.

Where would be the best place to look for one for sale? I'd like one good example to have. Not too worried about price.

Swapping and Selling, post a WTB.

FleaBay. Save a search and check back frequently.

[Reverend Al]

Watch for them on gun show tables. I have a fair number of vintage hand reloading tools and I've bought most of them at our local gun shows over the years. You'll likely see more of the Ideal tong tools without the mould for a bit less money while the version with the integral mould will likely cost you a bit more. .44 WCF was one of the most popular cartridges of the era so the good news is that these tools are generally easy to find in that calibre. Good luck with the hunt!

[Stopsign32v]

Thanks guys! The hunt begins...

[Smoke4320]

many many out there .. hold out for a good example and you will be happy

[mazo kid]

I agree, that caliber seems to be in demand and prices are all over. I have a couple of friends who looked for a while and finally both found nice examples in the $50-60 range.

[bedbugbilly]

Keep track on flabby as they come up once in a while. It's a pretty common caliber but one that is going to be in higher demand just because there are those out there that shoot the 44-40. It's kind of like the same tool for the 30-30. I looked for a long time for one that the mold had a good cavity - I think I paid about $80 for it and was happy to get it. I'm not sure of the exact number it is but mine has an adjustable seating chamber to it. The model with the non-adjustable seating chamber just sold on flabby for around $55 IIRC. You just have to ge at the right place at the right time. Don't give up - you'll run across one at some point. I also don't care so much if all the finish is there as long as the mold cavity is good and it is functional - the missing finish, patina, etc. just add "character". The only other one that I have is for the 32 WCF (32-20). I would rate it at about 85% or so as far as finish goes but the mold cavity is pristine and no pitting anywhere on it. I think I found that one for around $35 and figured it was a real bargain - lots of 32 WCF ones out there but again, it's a family likable caliber for many although not as much in demand as the 30-30 or 44-40.IMHO

[mazo kid]

I cast and load with the pair of Winchester tools for my 44-40s. These also show up quite often and are all over for prices too.

[Stopsign32v]

I cast and load with the pair of Winchester tools for my 44-40s. These also show up quite often and are all over for prices too.

I actually just got a Winchester 44 wcf tool a member here tipped me off on. I believe I'm going to start collecting these tools in various calibers that were popular in the "Wild West".