Author Topic: Does ANyone know what size plastic tube to purchase for bullet feeder?  (Read 3901 times)

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Fastchevy

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Hi,
Im restoring a Star progressive press and cannot get an exact size of the feed tube, does anyone know the ID & OD of the clear plastic bullet feed tubes for 38 and 45?
Also, does anyone have a source to buy this tubing?
Thanks
Happy Sunday!

rbwillnj

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Re: Does ANyone know what size plastic tube to purchase for bullet feeder?
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2020, 03:02:21 pm »
Are you possibly talking about the tube to feed brass to a Hulme case feeder?  If so, polycarbonate tube with an ID of 1/2" and an OD of 5/8" will handle brass up to 41 Magnum (including 45 ACP).   The original Hulme case feeder tubes were a little larger and could handle 44 Magnum and 45 Colt, but I haven't found a source for that size tube.

You can purchase the above tubing from McMaster-Carr and many other sources.

Bruce Williams
« Last Edit: January 05, 2020, 03:04:26 pm by rbwillnj »
Star Machine Works
Star, the original blue Press.  Made by machinist, not machines.
www.StarMachineWorks.com

Fastchevy

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Re: Does ANyone know what size plastic tube to purchase for bullet feeder?
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2020, 06:59:44 pm »
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for the help on this, I can source that size locally.  would you know the powder funnel ID and OD, I was able to clean the powder funnel in my ultrasonic cleaner with gunzila and it worked great except the plastic still has a yellow hue to it.
Dave

rbwillnj

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Re: Does ANyone know what size plastic tube to purchase for bullet feeder?
« Reply #3 on: January 05, 2020, 07:07:07 pm »
You might want to consider having me rebuild it.

https://starreloaders.com/forum/index.php?topic=1373.0

The original tube was Excelon 2000 which I believe is a clear PVC (or at least that is what Excelon 2000 is now).  In any case, the size used by Star is not a standard size offered today, so I'm sure you would have to order a very large quantity.

I use clear polycarbonate, but tube I use is much thicker than the original and the ID has to be machined to fit your parts.  It seems to hold up very well without discoloring.  I have not had good luck with thinner polycarbonate

Bruce Williams
« Last Edit: January 06, 2020, 09:41:02 am by rbwillnj »
Star Machine Works
Star, the original blue Press.  Made by machinist, not machines.
www.StarMachineWorks.com

FOR_Star

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Re: Does ANyone know what size plastic tube to purchase for bullet feeder?
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2020, 12:33:17 pm »
 :) 2 thumbs up on Bruce's rebuilt powder magazines.  He can make 'em per OEM height, or longer to store more powder.
Warren
Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas
Star owner since 1979