This version was made for 45-70.

Thanks to Albert Krause for sending me the great photo.

The Number 5 tool was also known as the "Armoury Tool".

It was made specifically for reloading U.S. Government .45-70 cartridges, as a result of the extensive reloading done by the National Guard units and similar groups doing military style shooting.

It is rarely seen in any other calibre, but does exist for Colt, Bullard, Marlin, Maynard and Winchester cartridges.  These other versions appear to be in existence as a result of special orders.

This model differs from others in several ways:

1)  The case mouth resizer, set just ahead of the hinge.

2)  The bullet sizing plunger, which pushes the bullet upward instead of downward.

3)  A Berdan decapping feature.

At extra cost, a double adjustable seating/crimping chamber (interchangeable with the case mouth muzzle sizer) was available.  With this, the tool would accommodate a 500 grain bullet.  Seating depth could also be controlled.  As such, it could seat any other length of bullet.  A special chamber was also available for reloading round balls, used in indoor "gallery" shooting.

Not many of this model were sold and are quite rare.

Here is an example of a first variation Ideal #5 tool in 40-60 W.

• Overall length of 10 1/4"
• No bullet mold present
• Nose recapper where the mold "should" be
• Bullet sizer on top raises the casting 3/8" above the main part of the tool.
• Berdan decapper in the handle
• Case sizer next to the recapper on top
• Non-adjustable bullet seater
• Manufacturer's name and patent stamps on the frame for first year of production
• Offered in rifle calibers
• Produced 1886 to 1888