Recently inherited press and supplies

General Firearms Reloading & Ammunition
1

I was talking to my dad about starting to reload, and he told me he had a press and other supplies that my grandpa had. I went over to his house yesterday to pick everything up. The press is looks to be a Pacific C type press. I also got a powder trickler 2 sets of 38 SPC dies and a 3 piece set for 45 acp. Does anybody have any info on this press? It looks to have a single case size ram. I think I need to upgrade the ram to a universal style ram so I can use different shell holders. I plan on reloading 9mm and 223. Also I might reload 7.62X54R. I also got a case trimmer with this stuff, but it looks to only be set up for 38. There are a few items that I have no idea what they are or if I even need them.

I know these are molds and from the looks of it I think one is 38 SPC and the other is for 38-40 maybe.

Im not sure what this grey thing is either.

Also can anybody identify this powder trickler? The canister is stripped and needs replacement(probally due to the fact that this might be close to 40 or 50 years old.

Lastley what are these things?

Besides the goofy stuff and missing the dies I need, is this basically all I need to get started?

2

those last things might be bullet swagers?

that old lyman press looks workable.

good luck getting a canister for the powder measure though… probably best just buying a new one of those.

3

I think think they are old reloaders. The bottom one says 38 WCF on it. The top is stamped 38 S&W S.

I found out the Lyman thing is actually a bullet shaper? I belive. I still have the canister for the power measure, the threads are just gone on it. I bet I could epoxy it in place. Or I guess i could just buy a new one.

4

Just slide the canister in the measurer and put 1 wrap of duct tape around the bottom. I had one like that for years. Just be sure to check your power when you get low. Buy another case of primers instead.

5

I like that idea! Do you have any idea who made this? My grandpa held all the answers, but he passed away 15 years ago

6

I would guess Lyman just because it is orange. Dillon=blue RCBS=green Hornady=red Lyman=orange Redding can sometimes be green as well. These manufacturers typically stick to these colors for easy brand recognition.

7

Thanks! It appears to be a Lyman 55… Looks like the stripped tube is 17 dollars. So thats half a box of primers. Duct tape it is. I could probally use clear packing tape so I can at least see thru it.

8

On second thought, I would buy an up to date reloading manual instead of the primers. I just picked up a Lyman 49th edition. It has a good “how to” section if you are new to reloading.

Yes, clear tape would be a better idea. Read and under stand the process before you start, double or triple check everything until you get comfortable reloading. Once you are comfortable, still double and triple check everything. This is something that is not very forgiving if you make a mistake. There are several really good posts on here that will list all the items you will need to complete the items needed to reload and list the items that are nice to have, but not needed.

9

That looks like a bullet swage not a press to me.

10

I didnt take a picture of the press because I knew what it was. The press is a Blue Pacific C Type press. It has ram that fits 38 SPC. I know that for a fact. What is a bullet Swage? used for? I guess what Im wondering is do I need this. Im willing to sell off what I dont need seeing as how I am currently unemployed. Who makes the best cheapest dies. I was thinking about getting a 9mm Lee Die and 223 as well.

11

Or should I buy a book first and read it for a while.

12

A swage is used for cast bullets. When you cast bullets in molds like you have, the diameter is too large and there is no lube on the bullet. The swage resizes bullets to the proper diameter and lubes them. If you purchase cast bullets or jacked bullets the swage is not needed. They have already been swaged at the factory. I would read for sure before you start casting your own bullets.

13

I dont plan on casting my own bullets. I meant read up alot before I start reloading. I am going to sell these bullet molds and this swage then. Thanks again for your help

14

FWIW, I think you have some really cool old reloading gear that belonged to your grandpa (a huge plus!!) I’m envious.

That said, if you are really interested in reloading, I would get some books (ABCs of Reloading, etc) and look at current/modern gear. You can then decide questions like, single stage or progressive, blue or green or red or ??,…

Your inherited treasures will look great on your bench! Congrats.

15

Here is a picture of the press.

16

Making your own bullets is a worthwhile endeavor in my opinion, especially since you are already equipped to do alot of it. I want to get started but is cost prohibitive at this time.

17

Its even worthwhile for .223?

18

Na more so for pistol or lower velocity loads, you can do so with a .223 but need to load them down to be accurate from what I have seen.

19

I added to your post.

20

To answer your last question about what else is needed…

Press…Check

Dies…Check

Powder Measure… a little tape and Check

Case trimmer…Check

Scale… Needed. You can get a balance beam or electronic. I like balance beam.

Dial Calipers… Needed. I got one from Autozone and it has worked well for me

Not sure how your press works for seating primers. If it doesn’t, the Lee auto prime works well.

Good reloading manual… GET THIS

Case Lube…Needed for rifle cases with or without carbide dies or pistol without carbide dies. You shouldn’t need to lube you pistol cases with carbide dies. I still do just because it is easier.

Nice to have but not needed
Trickler
Case trays
Case guages
Bullet puller
Tumbler/ultrasonic cleaner