value of ideal loading tools?

[cheezehead]

my dad was just given 3 sets of these, 38-55, 44wcf, and one other i can't remember, plus an ideal mold for 38-55. what are they worth? is there any demand for these anymore? i realize this is off topic, but i really didn't know where else to post, because i've never seen them mentioned in the reloading section. thanks!

[Lloyd Smale]

dies will vary by the manufacture but for used dies 15 bucks is a good start. Molds are tougher. It depends on the manufacturer, how many caviitys it is and whether its still a production mold or something that is discontinued and someone really wants it. A good rule of thumb with any used reloading gear is about half price if in decent condition.

[Oldtimer]

Were these die sets or what are referred to as nutcracker tools?  Do they have bullet moulds built into them?  Both 38-55 and .44-40 have had a resurgence of interest, and a nutcracker tool would be a great accessory for an old Model 92 or 94. 

[cheezehead]

they are the nutcracker style loading tools. the 38-55 has a bullet mold on the end, made by ideal. the others are made by winchester, 44wcf, 38wcf, and 38-90. all show wear, but not abuse.

[Bitterroot Bob]

Howdy,
I found most of my Lyman and Ideal moulds and dies on www.eBay.com. Whether or not you agree with their policy on gun parts, etc, is beside the point. The concept of the auction open to the world is a great way to establish an item's true value. The down side is that if you list it, you'll have to part with it, unless you put a really high reserve on it, and that costs money.
Here's what I do: Go to eBay. Find a couple of items that most closely match what I'm interested in, and watch the auction to the end.
The all in one nutcracker with the mould on the end will bring in the neighborhood of $100, depending on caliber, nickel-plating, general condition. Popular calibers like .38-55, 45-70, 45 Colt, etc bring more than most.
Also, try www.the310shop.com. This guy specializes in Lyman and Ideal nutcracker tools. He can give you a good ball-park figure.
Me? I'd try to figure out how they work and use them. I spent an hour at a a time with nutcracker tools, in the sleeper of my semi, and in one winter loaded over 500 rounds of ammo.

Good luck,
Bitterroot

[minker]

i used to have a huge collection of antique reloading tools . don't sell them for 15 bucks .


i used the moulds on some of them . the 310 tools work great .

go to a antigue gun show and look around , you should find some old reloading tools/ bullet moulds there .

ebay would be a good place to sell them if theres no antique gun shows around you.

mark

[Kmrere42]

I use my Lyman tong tool for all my 22 hornet brass prep and sometimes for seating.  It works great.  Just think of it as a complete special purpose reloading kit that will fit into a shoe box.

Just remember that it is not meant for full length sizing.  Just about 1/4" of the case mouth,  maybe 3/8".  There just isn't enough leverage for more.




Paul