Messages

361

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: When did Star add the Jam Nut to the Lubesizer

« on: February 09, 2014, 01:19:18 pm »

Thanks Willie,    Unfortunately, I don't think the Star books are very reliable for dating design changes.  I have books from the 80's and 90's, and none of them picture the thrust nut.   I also have a whole bunch of parts price lists, one as late as 1997 and it does not include a listing for the jam nut.

362

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: When did Star add the Jam Nut to the Lubesizer

« on: February 08, 2014, 12:11:33 am »

Ok, so we have it narrowed down to a sixteen year span.   I know we can do better than that.   

Come on guys, some one must have bought a new Lubesizer from Star between 1956 and 1972

363

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: When did Star add the Jam Nut to the Lubesizer

« on: February 06, 2014, 09:39:35 pm »

Thanks Lindy.

I heard from gilmarc1974 via PM. He purchased a new one in 1974, and it had the jam nut. 

I'd like to hear from others to see if we can narrow it down some more.

Bruce

364

Star Lubricator & Resizers / When did Star add the Jam Nut to the Lubesizer

« on: February 06, 2014, 11:35:28 am »

Clarence Peterson's patent for the Star Lubesizer was filed in 1934 and granted in November of 1935.    The Lubesizers were manufactured by Star until 1993 when Magma Engineering acquired to that portion of the Star business.  Magma continues to make the "Star Magma" sizer to this day.

The Star Lubricator Sizer underwent very few changes over the course of its production, but one of the later changes was the addition of a Jam Nut at the base of the lube reservoir.  Magma continues to use the jam nut to this day.

First Question:  For those of you who might have purchased a Star Lubricator sizer directly from Star, when did you purchase it, and did it have a Jam Nut or not.   I'm trying to pinpoint when that design change occurred.

More Questions to follow....

365

Star Reloaders / Re: Indexer

« on: February 01, 2014, 04:48:15 pm »

The MA System Indexer has a hook that pulls on the shell plate to index the round.  Based on the way the MA Systems indexer works, I wouldn't think it would cause any wear. 

The Brewster and most of the other indexers push on the case, tipping it back a little as its pushed to the next location.   The wear grove is where the back edge of the rim contacts the base as its being pushed along.    However I'm sure it takes a lot of rounds to produce that kind of wear.

366

Star Reloaders / Re: Indexer

« on: February 01, 2014, 02:06:52 pm »

Bad base after repair.

367

Star Reloaders / Re: Indexer

« on: February 01, 2014, 02:05:36 pm »

I think this is what you are referring to.   I have rebuilt 50+ Star and Phelps machines and have come across several with damage caused by use of an indexer.   The picture below (which I posted earlier) is probably one of the worst cases.  I think that the machines with this sort of wear were probably used by commercial reloaders have probably been used to reload many hundreds of thousands of rounds.......but who knows.

This past summer I found a good welder and had him TIG weld the damaged areas.   I then machined the welded areas down to the original surface and reblued the base.   The technique has promise.   Below is a picture of the same base after repair.

368

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: M-A Systems bullet feeder

« on: January 23, 2014, 04:11:08 pm »

There is a RotoEase on eBay, not mine, the auction closes tomorrow.

369

Star Reloaders / Re: The Holy Grail of Star dies

« on: January 23, 2014, 02:11:55 pm »

Interesting,   I'm in the process of doing much the same.   I'm converting a number of Star Progressives to "Universal Progressives" which will be capable of loading all of the "classic" small primer pistol cases....basically 40 S&W and smaller. 
(and no, it will not load 45 ACP with small primers)

Bruce

370

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Heads Up - Bullseye Charge Weights

« on: January 18, 2014, 12:28:10 pm »

I'm sure that Alliant and others work very hard to maintain a consistent strength (or cup pressure) from lot to lot.  I would be surprised if they measure that strength based on volume rather than weight.   I think there is a reason why we talk about charge weights rather than charge volumes.   

Moisture certainly could be the  reason for the variations in the drop weight from a given powder slide.   It would be interesting to see if a 2.9 grain charge from a 2.7 BE powder slide gives the same results as a 2.7 grain charge from the same powder slide.

When I first started shooting Bullseye, all the old timers talked about 3.5 grains of Bullseye under a 200 grain LSWC.   I found in my Ransom Rest testing that that load wasn't all that great.   I found that 4.0-4.1 grains of Bullseye gave me the best accuracy.  It may just be my gun, but the funny thing is that my 3.5 BE powder slide was drops a 3.8 tp 3.9 grain charge......most of the time.

371

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: 38 super lightweight colt

« on: January 17, 2014, 06:44:34 pm »

I can't say I did an exhaustive study, but it worked up a load to use in my 38 Super using the Lyman 356637 bullet which weighs about 155 grains with my alloy.   I used 4.0 and 4.2 of Unique.   Both shot well enough for IDPA.   Can't remember if I needed 4.2 to make power factor in IDPA or if the 4.0 would do it.   It was not a heavy load.

372

Star Reloaders / Re: Brewster Indexer

« on: December 07, 2013, 06:10:18 pm »

I have the instructions George, I will email them to you.

Bruce

373

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: WTB-38spl semi-rimmed brass

« on: December 07, 2013, 06:08:59 pm »

It was me, I sold it to another member.

Bruce

374

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: WTB Advance system and shell ejector

« on: December 03, 2013, 12:43:15 pm »

I believe you are referring to the Moon Indexer and Case Kicker sold by SB Sales and Distributing

http://www.sbsdistributing.com/index.php?pr=Star_Press_Accessories

375

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder Slide

« on: November 16, 2013, 07:26:48 am »

I'm not sure I fully understand your question, but if you are trying to throw a charge of 5.0 grains of Red Dot, you will need a powder slide with a hole that is 0.421" in diameter.   That same hole size would throw a charge of 6.65 grains of Bullseye.   I have a number of extra 00 powder slides, but nothing that big.   You might want to consider a 1/2" powder slide with interchangeable bushings.    http://www.starreloaders.com/forum/index.php?topic=1618.0


PS Welcome to the forum, Lots of great people and good information here.

I have a Universal Machine that I am setting up for .45 ACP. I have had no real issues until I got to the powder slide and throwing 5.0 gr of Red Dot Powder. I have a - 27A Powder Slide No. OO -- 5/16" Thick for the Universal Reloader only. Max. capacity 7.0 gr. B.E. or 8 gr. Unique or 11 gr. #2400. Is there a way to adjust the amount of powder delivered to the shell case?

Thanks,
Bill