Greetings All,
I just finished up a set of Replica Dies for Art in Caliber 44 Special/Magnum. I would like to post an image comparing the two dies sets side by side. The top row is a set of Genuine Star Dies I picked up some time ago. The bottom row is a set of Wilson Replica dies that I just finished. Shown are the sizing/decapping die, the expander plug, the seating/crimping die with bullet seater, and an additional Taper Crimp die that was not part of my original Star die set.
I post these so folks can see the effort that goes into keeping these machines as original as possible. I can distinguish the differences of the two dies laid out side by side. The untrained eye will find it a little more challenging. Star used a die to cut the external threads while I single point thread them on my lathe. Also notice that Star used a different font for stamping "44" on the die body. The roll stamping of the Lifetyme die would be very expensive to duplicate. It is very attractive and well made.
Jam nuts may seem like a simple item. Not so. Look carefully at your Star machine and you will notice that the jam nuts have a 0.015" circular bearing face on the locking side. This is somewhat detailed in the Machinery Handbook but the Star parts are not a standard of the industry. All the nuts I produce have this feature. Another item where Star separates themselves from the others.
http://home.comcast.net/~fc60net/pwpimages/Star44Dies.JPGThanks to Art and all the others that have asked me to machine dies and parts for them. Since I have something to keep myself busy now the folks at the local Jail wonder if I moved out of the area.
Do not forget that Bruce M and Richard D machine shell plates, primer tubes, and other goodies to keep these fine machines up and running.
Cheers,
Dave Wilson
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