Shell Holders for Obsolete
Reloading Presses

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An article from Handloader, Vol. 164, July-August 1993
various holders
There are legions of obsolete reloading presses gathering dust in garages and basements all over the country.

N ot because they are broken or inoperable, but because they need shellholders. The same is true of the obsolete presses that pop up at gun shows. Usually bargain-priced, most don't sell because they always seem to be equiped with a shellholder prospective buyers don't need. Since the traditional sources for replacement shellholders dried up years ago, handloaders show very little interest in taking advantage of what, in many cases, are giveaway prices on presses from outfits like Hollywood, Herters and others. That situation may be about to change.

Various shell holders An outfit called Vega Tool Co. manufactures and stocks a line of shellholders and adaptors dimensioned to fit obsolete presses. Three were sent in for inspection: a shellholder designed fit a Herter's press; another for a Lyman J-2 and an adaptor which will also fit a Herter's press.

Each was very carefully machined and polished. The rim of the Herter's shellholder was covered with tiny, diagonal checkering while the adaptor's were decorated with knife-edged serrations. Both would function just as well without those added touches, but to me they were indicative of pride of workmanship.

The Lyman shellholder flaunted a neatly stamped number four on its face. Try as I might, I couldn't detect any tool marks, even inside the rim cut. Flat surfaces were flat and rounded ones ripple free. Polishing of that quality demands care, effort and time.

Adapters are available for Herter's and Hollywood presses. Remanufactured shellholders are stocked in most calibers for the Lyman J-2, Hollywood and Herter's tools. For prices and availablity, go to our purchase page.


Vega Tool Co.
4865 Tanglewood Court
Boulder, CO 80301
ClanLaird@aol.com



Related Links

Mike Haas' Ammo Guide

Herter's - The Waterfowling and Outdoor Specialists

The Gun Shop - Fine Firearms for the Sportsman and Collector

Spirit of '76 Shooting Pages

 


This page was last updated 02-28-08.