Some Winchester Plier Handle Loading Tools|Winchester Memorabilia|Forum|Winchester Collector

I’m not a reloading tool collector but I do like the ones that support my rifle collection.  Here are three variations of tools and molds that start approximately 1877 and go into the early 1890’s.  These are all in .45-75 as is the cartridge, charge cup and decapping die.

On the left:  Model 1875 large frame reloading tool and mold, probably made 1877-1878.  Mold is bronze, reloading tool is cast iron with gold paint.  They did not have a high degree of finish.  No Winchester markings, just caliber and patent dates.

In the center:  Model 1880 first issue reloading tool with 1878 iron mold.  These tools are nicely finished and blued.  This one is as about as nice as can be found today.  The model 1878 mold was also nicely finished and blued.  These two tools have no Winchester markings, just caliber and patent dates.  Some of the later tools have Winchester markings.  The reloading tool still has the spoon handles and is heavy and bulky. 

On the right:  Model 1880 second issue reloading tool and Model 1889 mold.  These are also nicely finished and plier type handles make the tool easier to use.  The same goes for the wood covering on the mold handles.  

It is so much fun to add these tools and molds to the collection.   They display very well with the rifles.  I still use these tools to reload obsolete cartridges such as the .40-60 WCF.