Star Reloaders Discussion Forums > Star History
Star Price History
rbwillnj:
I recently aquired a December 1958 catalog/price list for Star Machine Works. It shows the price of a Star Universal with Lifetyme Carbide Die to be $190. An Extra Tool Head with Carbide die was $70. The Lubricator Sizer was $40.
What I really found interesting was the inclusion of prices for 4, 6, and 10 cavity Hensley Gibbs bullet molds. Does anyone know the relationship between Hensley Gibbs and Star?
Kenneth L. Walters:
Bought my first star in probably 1975. Bought numerous other Star's from them over the next several decades. One day they suggested that if I wanted the best reloading presses (theirs) why didn't I also buy the best moulds (H&G's). Up until then I had never heard of them.
In any event, I took their advice and for the next twenty years (almost exactly) I bought H&G moulds as well.
I think that Star just appreciated the quality of H&G's mould but I ask Wayne Gibbs if there was anything more to it than that.
Kenneth L. Walters:
Well Wayne Gibbs answered that question. Now let's see if I can get this right.
When both Hensley and Star were in San Diego, Wayne's father knew Ellard Mott. The two were very good friends. Because of that friendship, H&G recommended Star progressives and Star progressives recommended H&G moulds. Also both thought very highly of the other's work so it was as simply as recommending a friend. They were both recommending what they thought was the best equipment around.
Ellard, of course, hand build every Star progressive made during his lifetime. Every single one. For a long time he also assembled the lubricator/sizers though that task was eventually handed off.
The claim that Star had very few orders in its final days is probably true but it is also probably true because once Ellard died no one else had ever put a machine together. Thus whomever tried undoubtedly had a very hard time.
I don't remember the name of that person. It was, I'm pretty sure, an American Indian but I just don't remember who. Of course they had a nearly impossible job. Building a Star was as much an art as anything else and when Ellard died all that skill died with him.
I think that it is sad that someone like Magma didn't buy the Star Progressives because whomever has it now certainly isn't up to the task and because of that this grand old machine is facing certain death.
TDO'NEILL:
Mr. Walters
And where would the Star Progressive be today if the present owner didn't buy the company? There was probably a good reason why no one else bought it.
I am very thankful that the current owner has tried to keep the business going. At least we have some place to get parts if needed.
How many Star presses do you think could be sold in a months time? Is a high quality $1000+ reloading press in that much of a demand today?
With the cost of health ins. ,OSHA regulations, taxes, materials etc. do you really think that someone could make a living today selling Star Loaders?
Kenneth L. Walters:
Star raised prices twice that I know of, from $250 to $450 and then from $450 to $950. Might be slightly off but close. They did that to slow down business, not because the cost of manufacturer had gone up. I'm absolutely certain about that because I talked to them about it.
So could you make a Star today for $250. Almost certainly not. But could you make one for less than $950. I suspect so.
The top of the line dillon is $1500. Mike is famous for his comment that you need one third to cover costs, one third for advertising and one third for profit. Do the math. A Star could be made for less BECAUSE if it were a quality product as the old machine were you wouldn't have to do much advertising.
Sure Star's quality at the end of their run was bad. Ellard was dead. But Star has a reputation that is unequalled. Who else has 50 year old machines that are still in working order.
Star deserved better than it got and I am NO (ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, NO) fan of the current "manufacturer!"
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