marlinman93, i checked the gun. on the left side in 3 lines it is stamped-MARLIN FIREARMS Co. NEW HAVEN Ct. PATENTED. FEBRUARY. 9. 1875. BALLARD'S PATENT. NOV.5.1861. SERIAL #304XX. the two loading tools that I have are marked, IDEAL MF'G Co. NEW HAVEN, Ct. U.S.A. 38-55. M. PAT FEB 11 &DEC 23-84. i shoot 200 grain cast heads in it with TRAIL BOSS powder, I think 6 grs. of powder with no filler. thank you for the info.PS. why are the loading tools marked 38-55 M for MARILN and not W for WINCHESTER, is there a difference in the two?