I'm sure just about EVERYBODY has had, or at least seen one of these old WRA nutcracker tools in a deplorable state and thinking that they are probably just so much scrap metal.
You've probably also seen what ones in desirable single shot calibers can fetch on the collector market.
And If you're like me, you may have wanted one to actually use; but didn't want to ruin a good quality original.OR spend the money !
The attached photo shows what can be done with a few basic machine shop tools and some time.
This tool started out as a rusty .32WCF model 1882 "nut cracker".
I basically copied the design of an Ideal double adjustable tool and converted it to load a .40-70 Sharps straight .
There's enough adjustment to handle a 40-90 straight as well.
The tool will NOT reform the case beyond slight neck sizing after the mouth has been expanded with the "acorn" end.
The basic rebuild method was as follows: 
Belt sand all the outside surfaces until clean; which also removed the rivet heads, allowing dismantling.
Machine away part of the original loading chamber, then drill and tap for the new chamber body, and also enlarge the top opening for the larger case.
Refit a larger case seating ring opposite the loading chamber.
Re-cut the case extractor to accept the larger case.
Bore out the re-capping station to accept the larger case diameter.
Machine miscellaneous loose parts to suit the application.
Tools needed are a lathe, milling machine, and a belt sander.
It's just that simple !
Obviously, the .32WCF would be the best candidate for rebuilding, as they offer the most material to work with; and are one of the most common calibers to be found.
But any small caliber tool that is rusted beyond hope has potential.
I think these 1882 tools have enough meat that they could be hogged out to at least 45-70 size cases, and were probably offered in such sizes from new.
The only things I have not addressed were replacing the rivet heads and markings.

Hi,
Thanks for the kind comments.
The loading chamber is completely made from scratch.
I copied the design from what I've seen on Ideal brand tools.
Regarding the threads, I worked around readily available tap sizes.
Without checking, I THINK the chamber threads are 3/4-16.
If one possesses  the equipment and skill, these old tools can be made into any caliber that may be desired, as long as it fits the dimensions of the basic tool.

As long as the Lyman 310 die threads are a standard thread, no reason they couldn't be married to an old WRA tool with some adaptive machining.
OTOH, If Lyman used proprietary thread sizes , you may be SOL unless you have the capacity to produce one-off taps.

If your lathe will swing it, chuck the 1/2 of the tool that holds the die in a 4 jaw and you can put any thread and hole size you want without a special tap.
kootne

JCHannum wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2015 at 10:17am:


I have bought taps form these folks for various projects and can vouch for the fact that they offer very good value ; considering that they are practically the only game in town for oddball thread cutting tools.

I stand corrected as to threads on the 310 tooling. I was using the turret for an All American Jr. press for reference. Internal threads are not the easiest to measure, hence my caveat in the earlier post which has been appended.

Thanks for the correct information.