The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - "Vintage" Shotgun Reloading Tools- Any Value to this stuff?

DG45 · January 10, 2011, 03:06 AM

I've bought some similar stuff on ebay. None of it cost me very much. I got a much better-looking English-made Dixon & Sons 12 gauge roll crimper with real ebony handles for $18 I think it was, and a tin alloy shot/powder dipper that's adjustible in ounces or drams with a wooden handle that doubles as a 12 Gauge tamp for $12, and a hand primer much like the one pictured for $5.

I got in a real bidding war over a cool-looking big brass shotgun reloading tool that did a lot of stuff but I backed off at $49 when there were still three bidders left. I think it went for $63.

For any of you guys who've never tried rolling your own shotgun shells by hand, the old fashioned way, with tools like this, let me tell you its a hoot.

I use these things only to load "vintage loads" in paper hulls or brass hulls though, and I shoot them in a hundred year +old single barrel Forehand Arms shotgun. It's all just for fun - although I do take the old gun "birding" once in a while just for the kick of occasionally doing things the old fashioned way. I don't really care if I ever see a bird. It just feels good.

For serious business I still use factory shells in my Model 11 auto.

January 10, 2011, 03:06 AM	#10
DG45 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Posts: 904	I've bought some similar stuff on ebay. None of it cost me very much. I got a much better-looking English-made Dixon & Sons 12 gauge roll crimper with real ebony handles for $18 I think it was, and a tin alloy shot/powder dipper that's adjustible in ounces or drams with a wooden handle that doubles as a 12 Gauge tamp for $12, and a hand primer much like the one pictured for $5. I got in a real bidding war over a cool-looking big brass shotgun reloading tool that did a lot of stuff but I backed off at $49 when there were still three bidders left. I think it went for $63. For any of you guys who've never tried rolling your own shotgun shells by hand, the old fashioned way, with tools like this, let me tell you its a hoot. I use these things only to load "vintage loads" in paper hulls or brass hulls though, and I shoot them in a hundred year +old single barrel Forehand Arms shotgun. It's all just for fun - although I do take the old gun "birding" once in a while just for the kick of occasionally doing things the old fashioned way. I don't really care if I ever see a bird. It just feels good. For serious business I still use factory shells in my Model 11 auto.