Messages

1

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Cam over

« on: December 05, 2023, 07:59:10 pm »

Greetings,

With 7/8-14 dies and bottle neck rifle cases, "camming over" ensures the case is forced into the die for proper head space.

The Star is designed for Pistol cases and, as such, camming over is not needed nor desired.

If the face of the Carbide sizing die contacts the shell plate and you "cam it over" you risk fracturing the Carbide ring.

To adjust the Carbide Sizing die, back it off and cycle the press down where it is at "bottom dead center". Hold the handle with one hand and screw the die down until it just touches the shell plate. Nip the lock nut to hold the die in position and cycle the press fully to ensure that the die is not being forced into the shell plate.

Cheers,

Dave

2

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Star/Phelps or Phelps 45 acp reloading pres

« on: November 09, 2023, 06:17:17 pm »

Greetings,

The extra die is likely the Taper Crimp die.

The 3/8" mounting post is the early version.

Cheers,

Dave

3

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: FOR SALE --- Star Universal Loader

« on: September 21, 2023, 04:48:31 pm »

Greetings,

Updated text to include "45 ACP".

Cheers,

Dave

4

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / FOR SALE --- Star Universal Loader --- Sale Pending

« on: September 21, 2023, 12:40:58 pm »

Greetings,

A fellow shooter no longer participates and wants to sell his Star Loader.

45 ACP.

It was purchased new from Star in 1971.

In 1984, it was placed in a box and forgotten about until a few weeks ago.

I have had many Star presses pass through my hands and this one is a close to new condition as I have ever seen.

The loader has a LifeTyme Carbide sizing die, a bullet seater with a nose punch for a swaged Lead SWC, and a Taper Crimp die.

Both large and small pistol primer feed and pickup tubes are include. Along with the primer punches and punch installation tool.

Asking price is $600.00 and the buyer pays actual shipping from ZIP 98385. I will likely ship it UPS unless there is a more cost effective route.

Cheers,

Dave

5

Star Reloaders / Re: Adjusting case tabs

« on: June 25, 2023, 12:45:39 pm »

Greetings,

Personally, I rotate the shell plate half way out of index.

The Shell Straps should now point to the index hole in the plate.

Back off the upper set screw about two turns.

Now, tighten the Filister Head screw at the bottom until it just touches the shell plate.

Next, tighten the upper set screw just enough so that the shell plate turns freely.

Gently is the key word here.

Repeat for the other two straps.

Last, insert a shell casing and check for movement and alignment.

Cheers,

Dave

6

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Star Luber gaskets

« on: June 04, 2023, 11:32:30 am »

Greetings Lindy,

Been watching this post.

When is your next trip to Home Depot?

Cheers,

Dave

7

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Star Luber gaskets

« on: May 11, 2023, 01:36:43 pm »

Greetings,

The only "gasket" I know of is the #107 Hycar Washer.

Magma redesigned it and it is now a machined piece of plastic.

I was never able to find the source of the original Hycar Washers.

They resemble "cup seals"; but, again, I was not able to find the right size.

Cheers,

Dave

8

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Anyone machining their own powder bars?

« on: May 02, 2023, 12:54:39 pm »

Greetings 6String,

When cleaning your Universal, note the orientation of the cam that seats the primer. It is located inside the base.

It is not symmetrical.

Mark it carefully prior to removal for cleaning.

Cheers,

Dave

9

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Anyone machining their own powder bars?

« on: April 28, 2023, 11:45:32 am »

Greetings,

The easiest way is to take an unused powder bar and machine the hole to 0.500".

Then, buy some 0.500" (1/2) brass rod.

Now, bore a hole and part off the newly machine bushing.

Part off slightly long and sand it to the proper length with 220 grit wet/dry paper.

I stamp the side of the bushing with the volume in cubic centimeters.

Research Richard Lee's method of Volume Measured Density (VMD).

Cheers,

Dave

10

Star Reloaders / Re: .44 magnum powder charge

« on: March 26, 2023, 01:40:31 pm »

Greetings,

I have a Star 1/2" bar machined to accept the Pacific/Hornady bushings. The #22  bushing is the largest and it only throws 18.5 of 2400.

You may have to go with a 5/8" housing and bar for the 22.0 grain request.

I do have a new 5/8" housing; but, no bars.

Cheers,

Dave

11

Star Reloaders / Re: .44 magnum powder charge

« on: March 25, 2023, 04:53:53 pm »

Greetings,

Star make 1/2" and 5/8" powder housings and bars.

Best to contact Bruce Williams at Star.

Star Machine Works <starmachineworks "at" ptd "dot" net>

Cheers,

Dave

12

Star Reloaders / Re: 223 conversion parts

« on: December 20, 2022, 02:02:55 pm »

Greetings,

Contact Bruce at Star Machine Works.

He may have some spare parts.

Cheers,

Dave

13

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Complete Star Machine works Reloader For Sale from Estate

« on: October 14, 2022, 12:32:00 pm »

Greetings,

In the photos are several parts for the Star Bullet Greaser. However, I do not see the Greaser pictured.

Cheers,

Dave

14

Star Reloaders / Re: Text Files

« on: July 24, 2022, 03:49:07 pm »

Greetings,

This link has a lot of the European Pistols.

http://www.pistoliers.com/manuel/

Comes in handy quite often.

Cheers,

Dave

15

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: 357 Sig

« on: July 20, 2022, 07:34:38 pm »

Greetings,

Bruce Williams and I may have discussed it at one time.

Dillon, the other blue machine, used to offer a solid Carbide sizing die for their machines.

Downside... The added force to full length the cases on a Star would place increased wear and tear on it.

Personally? I would de-prime, size, and clean all the cases prior to entering the Star. Then let the machine prime, charge, seat and crimp.

7/8-14 dies are generally case hardened. One can remove the threads/case with a bench grinder. Then machine the outside true to the ID and thread 11/16-24.

It is possible to knurl the end of the die; but, the knurling tool will curse you. Best knurling tool is the scissor type that applies the pressure top and bottom.

The Carbide sizing dies are not normally hardened and it is rather easy to machine away the old threads and apply new. I have done many Lee and RCBS dies this way. With care, they last quite a while. If you have Channel Lock pliers for adjusting dies, well, a curse on you.

Almost forgot. The 357 SIG case will NEED Lanolin or case lube for sizing. Without lube you will eventually break something.

Cheers,

Dave