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« on: January 12, 2008, 02:42:52 pm »
I neglected to note I recently helped a beginner set up a Dillon 650. A nice machine but also a monstrosity if the case feeder is added. Comparing primer feeds the star is much simpler & more reliable. If true dillons were inspired by Stars they got carried away in that area. My star was purchased in 1973 as a 45 for BE comp for 2 of us. Later I used it for a small commercial loading endeavor adding 38-357. I have replaced some small parts, mainly springs over the yrs so durability is a given.
The Dillon I helped with was returned to the factory as it refused to feed & seat primers or feed cases. It was returned in excellent operating order at no chg. Setup involved sev hrs initially, complicated by the aforementioned probs. Star setup involved finding a set of clamps as my partner & I were trading it back & forth.
I have since added a star prog which I cleaned up for 38 requirements. Easier to move over a couple of ft than chg dies! I also aquired 9mm head & dies. The drawback to star is in adding new calibers. The availability of plates & dies involves patience & cost.
Often load rates are mentioned in regard to both brands. Personally I comfortably load about 300 rds per hr. If someone were to demand that I work harder I would resist! Load the pdr hopper, filll primer tubes etc then about 10 cranks a min is plenty for this old guy. Honestly I was never enthusiastic in regard to more.
I know nothing of the costs of production but it would certainly be great if someone were to adapt modern techniques & equipment to producing the loaders or even just shell plates. Dies & other small parts could be sourced.
The CPM loader was built maybe 35 yrs ago by Bill Detloff. Stars were hard to get & cost $360, 1 caliber. He felt there was room for improvement & they could be made cheaper. He incorp a few nice ideas, 7/8-14 dies being one & a double ended primer seater another I think. His price was something like $20 less. The question for the purchaser was why? Stars had the & earned big rep. I knew Bill & sev of our shooters worked for him to pay for part or all of the purchase of a CPM. They were all satisfied w/ their machines. The purchaser of the CPM did a disappearing act something we are familair with!
Ron H
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