The old Lyman 310 Ideal Tool

[capturedlive]

A really swell friend--who sold me his prized Remington 788 6mm converted to .358 last year-- just gave me three mags for the gun, over 700 units of .358 once-fired brass, and a set of .358 dies that go with a Lyman 310 tool. The only thing I'm missing now is the tool. I see that Lyman sells aluminum alloy models these days, but I think I want to hold out for an old steel one. Any thoughts where I can find an older one, or is the aluminum just as good?

[BigBronco]

Ebay

[sixgunner]

A mold made out of Aluminum will work just fine, and the price is right. As for buying molds on E bay I do it all the time. Problem is one day mold xyz sells for $300 next day same mold xyz goes for $20. That's E bay for you. To get a idae look at E bay in completed sales.

[Divernhunter]

sixgunner---The Lyman 310 tool is a hand held reloading press(for lack of a better word) not a mold. The 310 tool uses a not standard size thread die.

I will also say look on ebay and do not overbid. You do not have to get the first one you see.

If you already have reloading stuff you could just get dies to fit what you have.

[jameshenry]

Also check new prices and availability from dealers, then check ebay. Some bidders bid the sky because they want it now.

[koehn,jim]

Lyman does have an adapter so you can use 310 dies in a standard press.

[M1NM]

Might be cheaper to get a new RCBS press and an adapter for the dies.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/176245/lyman-7-8-14-thread-adapter-for-310-dies-and-model-55-powder-measure

[gunboat]

I was not aware 310 dies were available for 358 win -- 35 rem, yes.
First 310 tools only neck size -- there were a few exceptions for small pistol cases.
I have numerous sets and use them often -- Kind of handy but slow --
Anyroad, you will need Handles plus a handle adapter. Sort of the 310 tool shellholder if you will. It screws into the handle on the inside.
Handles come in "short" and "long" - The difference being the length of the "spout" the die screws into. It is related to the length of the case and the length of the die. 30/06 uses long, 218b uses short. There is some leeway in the middle sizes.
Steel handles for the modern 310 stopped being made about 1953 or so.
Older steel handles were caliber specific -- so be cautious before forking out big dollars.
It will be much easier to find alum handles -- Steel sell for a premium.
Aluminum handles are generally satisfactory for all cases although some require a john henry grip.
The advice about the 7/8-14 to "5/8x30" lyman thread is qquite satisfactory and a Lot cheaper. 310 tool 5/8x30 is actually .605x30tpi --
I have no idea why such a thread was used but the tooling started being made in the 1880's -- Barlow --Ideal -- lyman in about 1920 -
More than you wanted to know -

[capturedlive]

gunboat, great tips all around. The gifter, who had the gun since the 60's and is pretty well-versed in firearm care, calibration and technicality, told me I'd need a universal handle. As you pointed out, he said the tool was slow, but suggested it would be a good exercise in getting the "feel" of a round being made, and could even be therapeutic. I do have a modern turret reloader, but would still like to have this method around as well.

[Darto]

there's a site that has all sorts of 310 stuff, don't know if it will help or not..

http://www.cnyauctions.com/the310shop.htm

[gunboat]

The 310 shop has just about any 310 item you could want --
They even make some items new -- BUT
They are very costly --