Went to the Roanoke, VA gun show today and from a single shot standpoint it was pretty much of a bust EXCEPT, I did manage to pick up a Model 1888 loading tool, made and marked by Wincehster Rep. Arms Co [sic] in Cal .38-55.  There was no depriming pin (or whatever was used with it) present, but the rest of the mechanism APPEARS to be all there.  Now the problem...how the heck does this thing work?  I can't find my Chamberlain and Quigley, and the Reloading Tools Collectors' Board showed pix but was not much help with the actual use of this device.  I can only say that it looks like Rube Goldberg would have loved it.  Does anybody out there have any experience with actually making ammo with one of these things?

As always, TIA - Froggie

Froggie.....congratulations, that is a tough tool to find, especially with the die (seems to get lost a lot and it's the only thing that has the caliber marking).

It's not the hardest Winchester tool to find, but it is right up there at the top.  So a good find.

To use the tool, you decap using the decapping pin and a hammer (or rock if you prefer), completely separate from the rest of the tool.  Priming is accomplished by placing the case in the hole on the side of the main body and seating it with the pin in the handle.  Powder is from a little brass measure (in your case marked "48") and then the wad with the bullet started by hand.  Into the die it goes with the rim into the "shell holder" in the bottom of the frame and the top of the die into the threaded handle at the top of the frame.  Start turning and it will full length size the case, seat the bullet and crimp it in place all in one operation.  It is a PITA to use, but you will be one of the few in the world actually loading with a Winchester 1888 reloading tool.  

You need to use a cast bullet from a Winchester mold for the proper length, but unlike the tool, those are plentiful.

I have a set for a 40-82 Winchester in a Hiwall and use it.  It will make you appreciate your more modern tools.  

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Give it a try, lots of Winchester molds in 38-55 on eBay.

max

Bill West in the book Winchester For Over a Century Vol  III has a good description of how the tool is used. Regarding how depriming is done. "The case was first placed in the rim slot of the tool, and the fired peimer was expelled by exerting pressure with the screw." 
Cheers,
fallingblock

Frog   send a note and pictures to Dick Chamberlain
PO Box 230  Flournoy, CA  96029-2320  He was a teacher for many years and now is gentleman farmer in N. California  He was my first sponsor for a rifle range in S.Calif   we had moved toWhittier Calif. and couldn't find a range   found his article "Light loads for the .32-40" in the Rifleman and called him (Same town) He is a one fine guy  although a teacher his hand written notes need some close scrutiny!  dick eesley

When the price being asked goes to that level it passes from wierd, through bizzare, straight to insane!     I think I could replace about half of my antique tool "collection" for about that amount.  I wonder how he would respond to an offer to sell him one?    I think there are folks on eBay who take the same attitude as the Nigerian Trust Fund scammers, "There's one born every minute and maybe this is the minute mine will be on the Internet."  That would be an appropriate price if the decimal were moved one place to the left. 

Anyway, thanks for a good laugh.      

Froggie

GULP!    I didn't have my glasses on and saw that 8 on bid history as a 0 instead.   

OK, now I've actually gotten two screaming deals on antique reloading stuff at the Roanoke show, the 1888 loading tool and a #6 Ideal powder measure whose purchase I arranged at a show there several years ago.  Maybe I ought to pay more attention to the stuff showing up after all.  I will say that the patrons of the show walked past that loader for about 2 hours on Sat morning by the time I made up my mind to make the guy an offer for it.  The old Southern saying about blind hogs and acorns will have to be changed to, "Even a blind FROG finds a fly every now and then!"   

Thanks for calling it to my attention and you can bet I will take better care to guard its condition from here on out!   

Froggie