Messages

16

Star History / Re: Were Star's every made in 32 S&W Long or 38 S&W?

« on: October 15, 2019, 09:26:30 am »

Thanks for your response, Dave. I guess in the long run it would make more sense for me to try and locate an affordable Universal and get a caliber set built for it in 32 S&W L than to bumble along having the extensive work done necessary to convert my long suffering Progressive.  Oh well I guess my K-38 will continue to be well fed!

Froggie

17

Star Reloaders / Re: progressive press

« on: September 23, 2019, 02:51:01 pm »

Actually the Progressive was basically a dedicated press for 38 Special only, with the main options being various powder charges or bullet profiles.  I've been told about some mods that could be done on them, but to really get the full range of calibers one needs to get a Universal Progressive Press that can be relatively quickly changed from any of the range of pistol and revolver calibers (and some rifle calibers) that were offered for the Star.

I personally own a Progressive (my only Star) and have asked repeatedly about having it converted to another caliber, but the cost and effort would be prohibitive according to everyone I've talked to.  If anyone can now do a simple conversion of my Progressive to 32 S&W Long, I'd love to hear from you.

Froggie

18

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Replacement Sizing Dies

« on: July 29, 2019, 09:54:41 pm »

I have the possible opportunity to acquire an old Star lubricator/sizer in a trade.  My question is, how difficult will it be for me to get a .313" sizing die to go in it?  I'm not interested in "original" but would very much like for it to be a proper fit if I'm going to go to the trouble to set this up, and would like for it to actually throw a true .313" product.  In the current market, is such a thing available and if yes, how much should I expect to have to pay for it?
Thanks in advance for any help and guidance you may provide.

Froggie

19

Star History / Re: Were Star's every made in 32 S&W Long or 38 S&W?

« on: April 07, 2019, 05:54:31 pm »

Bruce, just trying to catch up after being distracted by life for a while...

Have you standardized a conversion for the Star Progressive to 32 S&W L, or is creating that shell plate too much of a problem?  I seem to recall that in a previous exchange you mentioned that this was the primary difficulty in such a conversion, but can't remember whether you had cracked the code or not.  It looks like I'm getting more and more 32s around here and fewer 38s, so my poor old Progressive is starting to feel neglected.   

Froggie

20

Star History / False Rumor Exposed

« on: March 25, 2019, 11:39:54 am »

I was horrified to read on another shooting and reloading forum that the owner of Star Reloading had died and all of the parts stock had been sold.    I quickly scanned this forum and looked for any hint of confirmation, but of course there was none, so I went back and asked whether it was possible that the OP might be mistaken or have incomplete information.  Within hours, Bruce appeared on that forum and essentially stated that "Reports of my death..."   

The phrase "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone!" came to mind.  Once again I was reminded of how blessed we who are interested in the Star Progressive Presses are to have Bruce and several others who are making it possible for us to maintain our machines.  I just thought I'd stop by and express my gratitude for all of you who are keeping the Star Tradition alive.  It has to be a labor of love and we who are its recipients should be very grateful.  I know I am! 

Charlie Shaeff
the Green Frog

21

Star Reloaders / Re: New member/new to me Universal

« on: May 27, 2016, 09:04:35 am »

Welcome to the Star Forum.  I'm sorry it seemed that folks were slow to answer and that some of the answers seemed a little bit haughty to you... we're generally a pretty friendly bunch around here.  On the subject of using or adapting standard 7/8X14 dies on your Universal, yes it has been done, and if you are a fairly talented machinist you might even be able to make a head to accomplish that.  OTOH, the Star was and is the "Rolls Royce" of progressive reloaders and to adapt it to a set of Lee dies would be kinda like adding a Chevy engine to the Rolls... it would work, but would it really be a good thing to do.

My suggestion is to use your press as is and get familiar with its workings and its idiosyncrasies, then decide whether you want to invest in the conversion(s) to other caliber(s) if they are worthwhile for you.  Unlike many other reloading tools, the Star is indeed an investment that will continue to be at the same time useful and growing in value.  Your Uncle was apparently a wise man in this regard and gave you a fine gift; congratulations.

Regards,
Froggie

PS  If and when you DO decide to change calibers or make upgrades, members of this forum like Dave, who has already responded and Bruce, who Dave mentioned, can provide excellent OEM-replacement and well thought out and tested upgrade parts... they've already helped me with my 38 spl (only) Star Progressive.

22

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: WTS Lee Case Feeder Adapters

« on: January 25, 2016, 03:02:15 pm »

If anybody is wondering whether they "need" one of these, the answer is an unqualified YES!  So many accessories look good on paper but fail to deliver on the job that it's refreshing to find a product that does what it promises and does it with panache.  Hulme case feeders seem to be pretty ubiquitous, but they really aren't complete without Bruce's upgrade. 

A satisfied customer,
Green Frog

23

Star Reloaders / Re: .38 Spl Wadcutter seater plug

« on: November 23, 2015, 03:49:46 pm »

Count on it being nice.  My few, but critical purchases from Bruce have been spot on for quality, fit and finish.  His is a class act!

Froggie

24

Star Reloaders / Re: primer magazine?

« on: June 28, 2015, 08:52:43 pm »

Green Frog and Joatmon,
Thanks for the replies!
I would fill them with primers when I didn't want to load, and I would drop in a hundred and set the Brewster magazine to one side on a little stand. I always felt that it was extremely dangerous to leave it on top of the Star as I reloaded. I have never had a primer go off on me with the Star(knock on wood), but many years ago I went to a commercial reloading shop in Ft Lauderdale that had holes in the ceiling above just about every Star loader. They told me the holes were the result of the primers going off. I never went back. They went out of business a long time ago.
I have to get a look at the Lee case feeding conversion and put one in.
Thanks again,
Fred

Fred,

     I think you will really like the Lee Case Feeder when used on top of a Hulme.  To me it's just as useful and practical an idea as the Brewster is dangerous and ill-advised.  JMHO, YMMV.

Froggie

25

Star Reloaders / Re: primer magazine?

« on: June 23, 2015, 08:01:40 pm »

My Progressive (from the John Amber estate sale) came with most of a Hulme case feeder and one of these Brewster Primer Magazines.  This latter struck me as a magnificent (if dangerous) solution in severe need of a problem.  If I want to load more primer tubes than I have, I sneak over to my Dad's Dillon stuff and borrow a couple of his tube loaders.  I find the case feeding conversion using the Lee unit to be a much more practical addition since I run out of empty cases a lot more quickly than primers!

Froggie

26

Star Reloaders / Re: Powder Drain

« on: April 30, 2015, 12:46:43 pm »

Of the idiosyncrasies of the Star reloader design, the powder drop and its inability to be easily cut off and/or drained was the most frustrating for me to deal with.  Maurilew took care of that with style... thanks!

Froggie

27

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: WTS Primer Magazines, Primer Pickups and Follower Rods

« on: March 10, 2015, 12:59:31 pm »

Let me add my praise to the above.  I "sat on" a beautiful old Star Progressive for close to 20 years because it was missing a couple of parts to make it right.  Bruce is The Man!  His parts and service for the Star are second to none.

A satisfied customer, the Green Frog

28

Star Reloaders / Re: Purchased My First Star Machine

« on: March 10, 2015, 12:50:13 pm »

Consider upgrading using the Lee case feeder.

+1 to this^  Get the one from rfwillnj if he still has them in stock... the one I got was great.

Froggie

29

Star Reloaders / Re: Merry Christmas.

« on: January 01, 2015, 03:59:58 pm »

And a Happy New Year to all as well!    May each of us be blessed with good health and the time to enjoy our reloading and shooting hobbies.  Also, especially strong wishes for success go out to Bruce as he takes on the task of continuing the Star line in whatever ways he is able to do.  The Star community has long needed a man of his vision, talent and drive to step up and take over! 

Charlie, the Frog

30

Star History / Re: Star Machine Works, the Next Chapter

« on: November 18, 2014, 09:44:41 am »

Let me add my voice to the chorus of joy here.  My limited dealings with Bruce have been uniformly positive and the info in his numerous posts has always been spot on.  I feel like this will be a very positive development in the Star World, and hope to see a big upsurge in the overall use of these fine reloaders.  I know mine is likely to get cranked up more often! 

Congratulations Bruce, and may you have great and lasting success in this endeavor!

Regards,
Charlie Shaeff
aka Green frog