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Using Lyman 310 Tong Tools for Reloading

I purchased my first Lyman Tong Tools in 1964 so I could do load development work at the range.  They worked so well I expanded the selection of dies to include all of my most popular cartridges, and the handles, dies, loading blocks, primer flipper and Lee Dipper Set all fit into a single 50 caliber ammo box.  Yes, they neck size only and some people like to denigrate 310 tools for that supposed deficiency, but in many cases neck sizing is all that is needed for bottle neck cases.  Lyman 310 Tong Tools do full length resize straight sided cases for pistols and revolvers.

If pressures are kept to SAAMI standards, neck sizing is sufficient for bottle necked cartridges which have been previously fired in that chamber.  The very unique Lyman "M" die, also called the neck expanding die, is a fabulous design which is fantastic when reloading using cast bullets.  Loads for cast lead bullets are almost by definition mild pressure loads:  Brass lasts virtually forever and so do rifle barrels.  And cast bullets cost only a fraction of the per-cost shot compared to using jacketed bullets. 

 

This section of photos was scanned from an old Lyman brochure for using the Lyman 310 Tools.  It was a small brochure and old, so the wording was difficult to scan to make it easy to read.  I have typed in the exact wording in this column to make it easier to read.

These instructions are far from complete. I have added NOTES below the relevant sections for additional tools that make reloading vastly easier and much more organized. 

 

Lyman-Ohaus D-5 Scale

A reloading scale is extremely nice to have. I prefer the Ohaus scale that fits neatly into the base and has a protective cover.  My scale was purchased in 1964 and is still in perfect condition, thanks, I am sure, to the easy storage system.

Basic Parts and Dies

The 310 Tool consists of four reloading dies, plus a set of tool handles. Screwed into the handles is a small Adapter Die which is inserted before the handles leave the factory. This Adapter Die remains in the handles at all times and need not be removed unless the same handles are to be used for loading a cartridge of a different body diameter. Each set of handles are also equipped with an adjustable extractor hook. The following illustration pictures the various parts of your 310 Tool. Studying the illustration will help you identify each part and will show you the order in which the dies are used.

 `

Pre-Loading Instructions

     Carefully inspect each fired case before reloading.  Reject all cases which show signs of cracks or splits about the necks or bodies. The fired cases which pass inspection should then be tried into the chamber of your rifle or  handgun to insure that they fit.  Cases which do not fit into the gun chamber will require FULL LENGTH RESIZING and for these cases you will need an additional Full Length (hand type) Resizing Die (see Lyman Catalog).  The remaining cases may be reloaded with your 310 tool.
     The cases which are to be loaded should be lubricated.  This is done by wiping the outside of each case neck with an oily cloth, or a cloth sparingly greased with Lyman Size-Ezy Lubricant.  After reloading and before firing, always wipe your cases to remove the sizing lubricant.

NOTE:  It is far better to use a large stamp pad for lubricating the case necks.  A cloth-covered felt pad in a stamp pad can be carefully scraped clean with a knife to remove debris.  After a decade of  use the stamp pad cover will become worn.  The cover can be removed and replaced with a section of finely-woven handkerchief material.  I use Neatsfoot Oil as a lubricant.  Each lubricated case is then set in a loading block (see below).

 `

Step 1  Neck Resizing and Decapping

     Select the Neck Resizing and Decapping Die which is pictured as number one is illustration A. Make certain that the Decapping Pin is screwed tightly to the end of the Decapping Rod.  Now, turn the Decapping Rod so that the Decapping Pin is a short ways up inside the die.  Screw the die body into the threaded portion of the tool handles.
     The neck of the case need only be resized to the depth that the bullet will be seated.  To do this, screw the die body into the tool handle just enough that the neck of the case will be forced into the die the desired distance.  By checking the sizing marks on the case neck and making slight adjustment to the die body, you can quickly bring it into the proper adjustment. When the adjustment is correct, turn up the lock nut and tighten the set-screw.
     Now you must adjust the Decapping Rod.  Turn in on the threaded stem until the pin protrudes slightly above the opening in the handles (about 1/8"). Be certain that the Decapping Pin does not contact the handles when closing.  Lock the Decapping Rod tightly in this position.

NOTE:  For this procedure you should have two Loading Blocks, moving each lubricated case as it is necksized into the other block. 

 

STEP 2   INSIDE NECK EXPANDING

     After the neck diameter of the case is reduced by resizing, it will be found too small for the bullet to enter. It must now be opened up to a uniform diameter that will receive and hold the bullet securely. This operation is accomplished with the Neck Expanding Die.
     Select the Neck Expanding Die which is pictured as number two in Illustration A. Screw the die body into the threaded portion of the tool handles. This die is equipped with a 2-step Expanding Plug. The first step on the plug expands the neck of the case to slightly under bullet diameter.  The second step expands the first 1/32" of the neck to slightly over bullet diameter, allowing the bullet to enter the case freely.
     By adjusting both the die body and the plug stem, you can position the expanding plug exactly so that the second step on the plug is barely (about 1/32") entering the case. Once your adjustments are made, tighten up on the lock nuts and set screw.

NOTE: Before the lock ring is set, try a bullet base in the case mouth to ensure it fits into the short expanded section.  This is extremely important, especially when loading cast bullets. When finished with all the cases, carefully wipe each case with a dry cloth to remove all lubricant.
     This die can often be used for any cartridge of the same diameter, ie, a .308 size expander die will expand the neck of virtually all .30 caliber cases. 

`

STEP 3   PRIMING

     To seat the primers, screw the Priming Chamber into the tool handles until the Priming Punch protrudes slightly beyond the flat surface of the Shell Holder when the tool handles are closed.
    Then place an unprimed cartridge case in the Shell Holder part of the Priming Chamber. Place a primer in the opening, close the tool handles and the primer will be seated. The primer should be seated to the bottom of the pocket and flush with the case head. The depth can be regulated by screwing the Priming Chamber in or out of the threaded portion of the tool handles. Once your adjustment is correct, tighten up on the lock nut and set screw.

NOTE:  It is far easier to hold the Tong Tool so the die body is off to one side, not straight down as illustrated at right. Set a primer in the groove, then a case in the shell holder, and close the handles to seat the primer.
      Primers are not fungible: use the proper primer for the case being reloaded - small primer for pistol or revolver cases using a .175" primer, a large pistol primer for cases like .44 Special using a .210" diameter primer, and rifle primers by size in the appropriate cases. Pistol primers are softer and cannot handle the pressures developed in rifle cases, and often a harder rifle primer cannot be ignited by the firing pin of a pistol or revolver.

 

CHARGING A CASE WITH POWDER

This step is completely missing from the factory instructions for 310 Tools. Smokeless powder can be measured or weighed, or a combination of the two can be used.    
     For easy, portable reloading, a Lee Powder Measure set can work well. A loading manual for the cartridge you are reloading is mandatory to give you the powder charge weights by cartridge and bullet weight you are using, AND a listing of the powder weight for each Lee Dipper is imperative.  I have those tables listed for three different smokeless powders in my Survival Reloading booklet.    
     A Powder Scale weighs each powder charge in grains and is the most accurate method of loading powder, but is slow.   When using either a dipper or scale, the powder is poured into a cartridge case using a Powder Funnel.
     A Powder Measure is adjustable and "throws" a measure of powder by volume.  The volume of powder then must be weighed on a powder scale and the drum on the powder measure adjusted until it "throws" the same volume (and therefore weight) of powder each time the handle is turned to fill up the drum from the powder hopper.  When properly adjusted, cases can be charged with powder directly from a Powder Measure, BUT the throw weight should be checked on a Powder Scale every 10th or 20th charge.

Lee Powder Dippers

Ohaus Powder Scale

  RCBS Powder Measure

Powder Funnel

 

STEP 4   BULLET SEATING

     Select the Bullet Seating Die which is pictured as number four in illustration A. Back off the bullet seating screw and screw the die body into the threaded portion of the tool handles.    
     To adjust this die it is best to make up a dummy round (less primer and powder). Slip a neck resized and neck expanded cartridge case into the tool handles and close the handles. Holding the handles in this closed position, screw in the die body until you feel it bear lightly on the mouth of the case. When you feel it touch the case tighten up on the lock nut to hold the die body in this position, but do not tighten the set screw.
     Now you must adjust the seating screw to the proper depth. Place a bullet into the mouth of your dummy case and insert it back into the tool handles. Gradually urn in on the seating screw and check your seating depth a little at a time, until the bullet reaches the proper depth. Lock your seating screw in this position.
    If you wish to crimp-in the bullet, one last adjustment is necessary. Back off slightly on the body lock nut and turn in the die body 1/4 turn. Tighten the lock nut and set screw and the die is adjusted.    
     When using the Bullet Seating Die, it is necessary to hold the tool handles so that the die is on top of the handles as shown in the illustration. Holding the handles in this manner prevents powder from spilling into the die and insures accurate alignment of the bullet.

NOTE: Crimping the bullet is not needed when loading for bolt action rifles.

`

 

Ideal #310 Tool Quick Reference - Rifle
 

CTG
 
Handle Adapter
 
Priming
 
MR - DA
 
Exp Chamb
 
Exp - Cast
 
Exp - Jack
 
Seat - Cast
 
Seat - Jack
 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

218 Bee

S

3

10

172

R-S

0.225

0.224

438

450

219 Wasp

L

6

6

171

R-S

0.225

0.224

438

450

219 Zipper

L

6

6

171

R-M

0.225

0.224

438

450

22 Hornet

S

4

4

165

R-S

0.224

0.224

438

450

22 K Hornet

S

4

4

165

M-S

0.224

0.224

438

450

22/250 Var.

L

2

2

22/250

R-M

0.225

0.224

438

450

22 Lovell

S

12

19

173

M-S

0.225

0.224

438

450

22 Sav H.

L

6

6

141

R-M

0.228

0.225

367

367

220 Swift

L

5

5

169

R-M

0.224

0.224

438

450

222 Rem.

S

1

26

222

R-M

0.225

0.224

438

450

25/20 Rept.

S

3

10

10

R-S

0.257

0.257

420

420

25/35

L

6

6

11

R-M

0.257

0.257

325

325

25 Rem.

L

6

15

133

R-M

0.257

0.257

325

325

250/3000

L

2

2

143

R-M

0.257

0.257

388

418

257 Robt.

L

2

8

166

R-M

0.257

0.257

388

418

6.5 Jap

L

2

2

137

R-M

0.266

0.263

469

418

6.5 Mann.

L

5

5

137

R-M

0.266

0.263

469

418

270 Win.

L

2

2

153

R-L

0.280

0.277

468

411

7 m/m

L

2

2

116

R-M

0.287

0.285

448

377

30 Carbine

S

15

23

29

R-S

0.309

0.308

8

359

30/30

L

6

6

13

R-M

0.311

0.308

241

241

308 Win.

L

2

2

146

R-M

0.311

0.308

413

329

300 Sav.

L

2

2

146

R-M

0.311

0.308

466

414

30/40

L

5

7

15

R-M

0.311

0.308

467

329

30/06

L

2

2

123

R-L

0.311

0.308

413

329

300 H. & H.

L

8

13

168

R-L

0.311

0.308

467

329

7.62 Russ.

L

10

16

163

R-L

0.311

0.308

413

329

303 Sav.

L

5

5

16

R-M

0.311

0.308

241

329

303 Brit.

L

5

7

17

R-M

0.313

0.311

299

299

7.7 Jap

L

2

2

146

R-M

0.311

0.308

413

329

32/20

S

3

10

29

R-S

0.311

0.308

8

8

32/40

L

6

6

28

R-M

0.321

0.319

232

232

32 Spec.

L

6

6

97

R-M

0.321

0.319

297

317

8 m/m

L

2

2

118

R-M

0.323

0.323

470

366

33 Win.

L

10

17

98

SPC

0.338

0.338

320

320

348 Win.

SPC

11

18

170

SPC

0.350

0.350

447

447

35 Rem.

L

5

20

128

SPC

0.358

0.356

315

315

35 Win.

L

5

7

124

SPC

0.358

0.356

318

318

9 m/m rifle

L

11

2

126

SPC

0.358

0.356

238

238

375 H. & H.

L

8

13

162

SPC

0.375

0.375

449

449

38/40

S

9

14

42

R-S

0.401

0.401

43

43

38/55

L

6

6

44

SPC

0.379

xxx

296

xxx

401 Win.

S

16

2

147

R-M

0.412

xxx

426

xxx

405 Win.

L

2

7

121

R-L

0.412

xxx

263

xxx

44/40

S

9

14

78

R-S

0.427

xxx

98

xxx

45/70

L

10

17

89

R-L

0.457

xxx

124

xxx

45/90

L

10

17

89

R-L

0.457

xxx

191

xxx


Ideal #310 Tool Quick Reference - Pistol
 

CTG
 
Handle
 
Adapter
 
Priming
 
MR - DA
 
Exp Chamb
 
Exp - Cast
 
Exp - Jack
 
Seat - Cast
 
Seat Jack
 

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

30 Luger

S

17

12

120

P-S

0.311

xxx

244

xxx

32 S. & W. L.

S

3

9

122

P-S

0.313

xxx

226

xxx

32 Auto.

S

3

9

SPC

P-S

0.312

xxx

252

xxx

32 S. & W.

S

3

9

22

P-S

0.313

xxx

249

xxx

32/20

S

3

10

29

P-S

0.311

xxx

8

xxx

357 Mag.

S

1

3

95

SPC

0.357

xxx

446

xxx

9 m/m Luger

S

17

12

134

SPC

0.356

xxx

402

xxx

38 Auto.

S

17

12

119

SPC

0.358

xxx

242

xxx

38 Spc.

S

1

1

95

SPC

0.358

xxx

311

xxx

380 Auto.

S

17

12

144

SPC

0.358

xxx

242

xxx

38/40

S

9

14

42

SPC

0.401

xxx

43

xxx

41 Long

S

14

25

72

P-S

0.386

xxx

178

xxx

44 Russ.

S

9

7

150

P-S

0.429

xxx

251

xxx

44 Spec.

S

9

7

150

P-S

0.429

xxx

421

xxx

44/40

S

9

14

78

P-S

0.427

xxx

98

xxx

45 Auto. Rim

S

7

17

127

P-S

0.452

xxx

423

xxx

45 Auto.

S

7

2

127

P-S

0.452

xxx

374

xxx

45 Colt

S

7

11

86

P-S

0.454

xxx

190

xxx