StarReloaders.com Discussion Forum
Star Reloaders Discussion Forums => Star Reloaders => Topic started by: pomsct on September 16, 2021, 01:19:44 pm
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I recently picked up two reloading machines one in 38sp and the other in 45ACP, both came with a sizer for the caliber the machines were set up for. I was first introduced to Star equipment in the early 80's and purchased a Star sizer, which cost about double what a Lyman cost at the time. A lot of money for a kid working at the gas station. I couldn't afford a Star reloader though, I think they were about $700 back then. I eventually acquired a Dillon RL450 that I traded a double barrel shotgun for at a local gun store who had one in stock before Dillon went factory direct with there sales. These machines look pretty much ready to use, I cleaned decades of powder and dried lubricants from them and they are working fine. The 38 sizing die is interesting to me, it appears to be a ruby or something other than carbide, anyone know what this made of?
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A couple of pictures of the machines.
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Greetings,
The sizing die might have a Ruby insert.
We used to use them in Specimen Holders for Electron Microscopes due to their very low coefficient of friction.
Never thought of using one for sizing brass.
What diameter do the sized cases come out?
Very interesting...
Cheers,
Dave
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I'm absolutely fascinated by this ruby die insert. Where could I get one for my .32 S&W L Star?
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Love the ruby insert… if it doesn’t work up to your expectations, you can always pull it out and give it to your (very skinny) girlfriend. :D ;D
Froggie
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Greetings,
I Googled sources for Ruby bearings and was unable to find any close to what diameters we need.
The scary part is most companies ask that they be contacted for a price...
While Ruby does look pretty, I will stay with good old Carbide for the time being.
Cheers,
Dave
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Ceramic is also good for sizer dies
Good shooting
Lindy
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Had a quick search for rubies and discovered that synthetic rubies 25mm in diameter are available at a attractive price from Aliexpress / Alibaba - $USD 20.47 in fact
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002986247342.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.ef1160f5reXpY1&algo_pvid=2da6dc77-c3dc-4376-8ba0-293dccf03180&algo_exp_id=2da6dc77-c3dc-4376-8ba0-293dccf03180-1&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000023077167324%22%7D
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These look more promising - ruby or sapphire