Looking for a Loading Tool

[MikeM.]

Does anybody have one of the old Ideal loading tools in 44wcf with the bullet mold on it that they would sell? I am looking for one that is in nice shape because I want to do living history type demos with it.

[pony express]

Don't have one-they show up on E-bay regularly, although for 44-40 specifically you may have to search some.

[MikeM.]

Ok, I found a tool!! Now, can somebody tell me a good cowboy load that uses smokeless powder instead of black powder?? Please recommend powder , powder load, and bullet ...... Thanks!!!

[scrubby2009]

Well, it's not "cowboy" per say, but my personal smokeless favorite is Alliant '2400' powder, 15.3grains or so, under a Bear Creek 200gr RNFP.

[Chance]

200gr RNFP backed by 8 grains of Unique.


Chance

[scrubby2009]

Saw this and thought of your original pst, you got something in this flavor?  https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-IDEAL-RELOADING-TOOL-44-40-W-ORG-BOX-NICE-PART-OF-COLLECTION-6-OF-9/312254510482?hash=item48b3d1b592:g:BGYAAOSwa9BbtMB2

[reno]

205 gr. lead RNFP  sizied .427 dia. SPG Lubed with 5.8 gr. Trail Boss.

Reno

[MikeM.]

Thanks guys!!

[MikeM.]

What unique are you talking about? Red dot, green dot???

[Coffinmaker]

Aummmmm.  MikeM.,,,

Just what is your experience level reloading??  Unique is ..... Unique.  Red Dot and Green Dot are completely different powder formulations and do NOT NECESSARILY LOAD THE SAME.

Do you have a GOOD reloading MANUEL???  Sounds like you really need one.

[MikeM.]

Yes I know very little about it. I was just told that there was different types of Unique powder and I needed to find out which one to use. Didn't mean to offend anyone by asking lol

[MikeM.]

Is there a manual for the weaker "cowboy" loads??

[MikeM.]

Just came from the gun shop and I see what you are saying, Unique is definitely its own animal........ learned something

[Professor Marvel]

My Good Mike -

DO NOT rely on anyone's "youtube" howto's.

if you follow youtube advice and hurt or kill yourself (or others) the youtubers
not only don't care, but will deny any responsiblity.

From your questions and comments, it is clear that BEFORE
you buy anything else, and BEFORE you try to load any rounds you should
buy a good reloading manual. I can highly recommend the Lyman and the Lee
manuals. Lyman and Lee include loads for cast lead bullets where many other manuals do not

https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-50th-Edition-Reloading-Manual/dp/B01N76GD2F
https://www.amazon.com/C-Kerman-Outdoor-Precision-Reloading/dp/B000N8OKAU

and please also look into the CAS City links below which are pinned in "The Powder Room"
foryour convenience.
   
Beginner's Guide to Reloading for CAS
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,55347.0.html

Reloading Resources - Link Guide
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,5589.0.html

I realize it is a lot of reading, but please read all the above topics and read
the guide parts of the manuals thoroughly. Loading cartridges is no place for
shortcuts or "easy". The manuals will help you learn about different powders, burn rates,
pressures, etc.

you do not want to have this:





yhs
prof marvel

[MikeM.]

Oh I will, I just wanted to see what other guys have had good results with.

[Professor Marvel]

Oh I will, I just wanted to see what other guys have had good results with.

Here you go, Mike -
click on the link and you will get a google search of the CAS City discussions for "44-40 loads"

Magic Link of 44-40 load discussion

click away and enjoy

yhs
prof marvel

[Bunk]

I always tell any one interested in reloading is first get a good manual and read it as if your life depended on it because it does.
Information promulgated by Ol' Joe Bagadougnuts, unless he owns a complete ballistics lab with pressure guns and chronographs, is toilet paper and should be viewed as such.
I know what works for ME using smokes-somewhat-less powder and it is data taken from reputable loading manuals. I have been reloading for over 50 years but I still LOOK IT UP when trying a new bullet or powder combination.
Yr' Obt' Svt'
Bunk

[Coffinmaker]

That's why I asked.  THE very first step in reloading or loading is the BOOK.  Get the BOOK.  READ the BOOK.  Never accept as gospel the load information provided by "others."  Good chance they know less than you do.  Or, are actually stupid as they don't and haven't asked questions.

When you start playing these games, making your own ammunition, etc., Kindly remember your playing with EXPLOSIVES.  Things can get nasty really really quick.  In these games, there is no such thing as a stupid question so don't be afraid to ask.  Around here, we all try our best to help as much as we can.

[MikeM.]

Ok thanks guys

[Coffinmaker]

MikeM,

Remembering ... I Believe ... your comment about doing "living History" demonstrations, you should be aware, those "old" hand loading tools were intended for loading Black Powder.  Black Powder is very forgiving of errors.  For all practical purposes, you can't get enough 2 or 3f BP in a cartridge to blow up a SA revolver.  Smokeless on the other hand .... is very UNFORGIVING.  IF you screw up with Smokeless, I refer you to the photographs provided by the good Professor Marvel.

We often see You Boob "heroes" whom try to make a U-Boob featurette and it's obvious our "Hero" is clueless.  Before you get in front of and audience, I would suggest an amount of practice with your tools.  Say, around 500 or so rounds.  If you can't do it in your sleep in a dark room with someone screaming in your ear, your not really ready for "Prime Time."

Give some serious thought to planning for your plan.  The best plan only survives to the first shot.  Having a half loaded round ignite in front of a discerning audience will NOT enhance your image.