Doing it the old way......

[hhughh]

Have waited for this day a long time.  Finally located a Winchester loading tool in .45-75.  It came with no decapping pin--having to rectify that, but I had some unfired brass, so I had to try it out.

[dusty texian]

That's the way to do it . Those old Winchester tong tool's are Great. Make fine ammo . ,,,,,Dusty

[Trailrider]

I wonder if that tool was set up for decapping Berdan primers? If so, it should have a chisel-like prong someplace on the tool. Won't work with Boxer primers of course. Easiest thing is to make a steel rod with a decapping pin in one end and a base with a hole a bit larger than the primer so you can knock the spent primer out using that and a hammer.

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[Mike]

I have the same hand tool and it made a nice round when I tried it, just ordered a 45-75 but will have to wait nearly a year for it tovarrive here in New Zealand.

[hhughh]

I wonder if that tool was set up for decapping Berdan primers? If so, it should have a chisel-like prong someplace on the tool.

No. It doesn't have the chisel, nor the "scooped out" section on the lower tong. I've been trying to research pics to see when this version--decapping pin--came about so I could date this piece, but no luck.   It only has the 1880 patent date, but all the online pics show the Berdan chisel.

[Buck Stinson]

If the tool does not have the Berdan cut-out and chisel, but has ONLY the 1880 patent date, it is the Model 1880-2nd issue tool.  This tool will not be marked with the Winchester name.   The 2nd issue was not shown in any Winchester catalog, but they were probably issued between June of 1880 and January of 1896.

[hhughh]

Buck,
  Thanks so much. I've been wanting your input on this, but hadn't gotten around to a private message.  The "complete" markings are:

Lower tong, right side:    "45--75  /  PAT. SEPT 14, 1880" (two lines)

Lower tong, left side:      "MANUFACTURED BY THE  /  WINCHESTER REP. ARMS CO.  /  NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A"  (three lines)

So, I'm not sure if "ONLY" is the correct word.
Hugh

[Buck Stinson]

With the Winchester name and address, that makes this the later 2nd model tool.

Buck

[hhughh]

So, 1880 to 96?  Or different years?

[Mike]

Here is my one with a round i loaded.

[Buck Stinson]

In my earlier post I said the dates were 1880 to 1896.  My finger got in the way and I entered the wrong date.  It should be 1883 to 1896 on the Model 1880 plier handle tool.  The Model 1880 spoon handle tool was only available from 1880 to 1883 approximately.  Sorry for the misinformation first time around.  I hope this will clarify things.

Mike, nice tool.  You have the 1880 4th issue made with Berdan cut-out and chisel.  I have all of the tools and molds that Winchester made for all four of the 1876 calibers.  I most often use my 1880 1st issue spoon handle tools when reloading these calibers.  All the Winchester tools and molds work very well.

[dusty texian]

Good info !Thank's Buck that help's us all,,,,,,,Dusty

[Mike]

Would be nice to see the group of tools, how about a picture.
Thanks for the info on mine

[Buck Stinson]

I would but for some reason, I always have trouble submitting photos from my desk top.  I do not like photo bucket.

[dusty texian]

Here Ya go hhughh. Finished your 45-75 wcf decapping pin and a couple others this afternoon. Here is a pic. of your's . Worked fine in my tong tool decapping a spent primer. Will get it in the Mail tomorrow,,,,,,,Dusty

[hhughh]

Thanks Buck.

[hhughh]

And thank you, Dusty. Very cool. Can't wait to try it out.

[dusty texian]

Not a good pic. but does show a group of Winchester tool's.Above the pic. say's 1874 to 1880 ,,,,,,Dusty