What is this tool?

[BrianL]

I was given a large collection of molds and other reloading equipment and found a bag of these aluminum tools in a bag with these green cup shaped paper things. The small cup was inside of one of the tubes and when flattened out, it was the same size as the others. They appear to have been home made and have no markings. As everything in the bag and boxes was loading related I assume that this is also? The collection is from 20-40 years old and much of the stuff has never been used.

Does anyone recognize this?

[Patrick L]

Just a guess, but some sort of gas check making punch? Perhaps the paper cups were just made with it to test/practice? Again, just a guess.

[BrianL]

I was thinking that the papers were some kind of wad. The metal parts are soft aluminum.

[LUBEDUDE]

Looks like a combo forming tool/punch for making shot cards.

[Garyshome]

How big are the Green things a 12 g overshot card is about 3/4"

[BrianL]

I should have noted that the shell casing in the background is a 38 Special. The end of the 'tool' fits into the end of the casing but it also fits over a 22 casing.

[DougGuy]

It looks as if they are intended to be an over powder wad in the .38 special, to hold the small powder charge against the flash hole in a target load. They wouldn't be used to cut the paper, but to form it and push it down inside the case evenly. That's my guess!

[BrianL]

Not a bad guess. I was also thinking that they might be used to make 22 lr blanks or shot cartridges? Reason being that the formed one was inside the tube that fits over a 22.

[bluelund79]

Now that is a cool tool, never seen that before

[texassako]

I don't know why, but the shape of those wads made me think of the wads in Dardick trounds. They were reloadable and here are some of the wads: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=471534088 . Could it be for forming and inserting the wads in a tround?

[BrianL]

I don't know why, but the shape of those wads made me think of the wads in Dardick trounds. They were reloadable and here are some of the wads: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=471534088 . Could it be for forming and inserting the wads in a tround?

They certainly look the same. A little background is in order. The fellow who put this collection together spared no expense so trying a 'new' concept was not out of the question.

[borg]

Over the shot/powder wad cutter for 410 shotgun or smaller, maybe for 32 ga or 9 mm shotshell.
Or for BP pistol/rifle.

[BrianL]

Borg, There appear to be no sharp edges and it is soft aluminum