StarReloaders.com Discussion Forum

Star Reloaders Discussion Forums => Star Reloaders => Topic started by: starrel on October 19, 2003, 01:56:57 am

Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: starrel on October 19, 2003, 01:56:57 am
The archives just received notice today about M-A Systems Accessories  information for the Star Reloaders. A member has sent them to be scanned and posted to the website. They may still be in operation and we will explore and confirm. If you are looking to enhance your Star or replace parts thought to be unavailable we hope to share more soon. Quite a bit of new information, scans and posts to the website will happen over this coming week.

We have been busy with forum setups and contact with contributors and members. After the discussion board tanked, we contacted members and former members to ask that they re-join. We saved many of the original posts, but need to wait until they re-join before we can post the information again.

As we move ahead, please feel free to send digital pictures of your Star, explain who you are and what you use, and let everyone get to know their fellow members.

If you have not filled in some details of your profile, please do so. It will assist members to know a little about your interests and geographic location. Many of you value your privacy and as gun owners and reloaders we understand. At least pick a continent, country, or state.  :D  

The Avatars are a new feature just added, but we do not have many selections as of yet that are appealing. You will find many in the nearly 600 that are just plain not very attractive. The others section contains some shooter oriented avatars sent in from members. Feel free to send me any avatars you would like to see incorporated.

StarReloaders.com
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Ray Jones on November 03, 2003, 12:09:14 pm
This is GREAT!! I cherish the two Star Loaders I use, I even like the feeling of being a living fossil. On one is a shaker style case loader and on the other is a Chevron Case Master, Ottawa, Ill. One has a "bought" plate turner and the other has one I made, this was my 1st machine and I didn't know what a plate turner should look like- (it works very well). On both I have made new powder tubes with shut offs, much less powder all over when changing or fixing! I recut by hand a .32 shell plate to fit 9mm. that is the hardest steel!! My latest alteration is that I built a 400 CorBon from one of my 1911's so I took one of my tool heads and recut it for standard thread dies. I use a set of RCBS 400 CorBon dies, (slight alterations needed). Whats that about "necessity being the mother of invention?" One of my shooting partners wants me to load for .40 cal. Any ideas if this is avilable?
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: TDO'NEILL on November 03, 2003, 08:45:02 pm
Ray
I believe you can use a 9mm shell plate for the .40 cal.
I bought a set of 9mm dies and a shell plate from Bill Cunningham on the bottom of the plate it read 9mm and .40.
His address is listed on this sight some where.
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: TDO'NEILL on November 03, 2003, 08:52:20 pm
Ray
 Reguarding those powder tubes .They tell me that they are made from a special plastic that doesn't give off static electricty. I hope you used that type.
In one of my posts I decribed how I made my shut off and still used the same tube . Take a minute and see if it makes sence.
Thanks Tom
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: TDO'NEILL on November 03, 2003, 08:57:35 pm
Ray
I believe you can use a 9mm shell plate for the .40 cal.
I bought a set of 9mm dies and a shell plate from Bill Cunningham on the bottom of the plate it read 9mm and .40.
His address is listed on this sight some where.
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Ray Jones on November 04, 2003, 12:30:32 am
Thanks, my 9mm shell plate is not marked, but, I tried a .40 brass and it seems to fit fine, as long as it doesn't rub when installed in the base. Just the dies to get now. The plastic tube I used for the powder is Poly Carbonate, the base and shut off I made from copper and brass. The 231 powder I use does not stick or cling to the tube as I would expect with static electricity. Would any static build up not dissipate through the metals?
Title: Hi Ray and Tom
Post by: Ross Chesley on November 05, 2003, 01:31:35 am
Yes, this is great!!!

I have been looking for an idea on the powder magazines. I need to replace my original plastic and have also wanted to get a shut-off version too.

If you have any designs for these you could share, please at least send me a picture as I would like to see what you did.

According to Bill, he used Lexan (Polycarbonate) for the powder magazines. I am not sure he added any special anti-static feature, but some plastics seem to have this as a natural property to some degree or other. I have also heard of clear rigid PVC as a better alternative since it resists yellowing from the powders. I am looking at that solution right now but the tooling costs to setup are pretty high. One company had the exact product but stopped making it in the needed size to match the original 1.50" OD and 1.375" ID specs to fit the Star brass base, aluminum baffle, and top cap.

Did you run into any clearance issues with standard dies in your modified Star tool heads? What did you do to solve the problems? I would like to pick-up one tool head to do this conversion.

I am surprised a 9mm shell plate would work for 40 cal as it is a shortened 10mm. Maybe 1mm is not much to sweat about huh?

The information on Bill Cunningham and Star is in the Want to Buy/Sell forum at the top.

Thanks guys.

Ross
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Ray Jones on November 05, 2003, 12:15:53 pm
Ross - I replyed to your questions in the wrong place - look under star presses on e-bay.
Sorry for messing it up - Ray
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: TDO'NEILL on November 07, 2003, 06:50:12 am
Ross
I made a powder shut off using a .062 x.500 by .500 longer than the powder measure is wide piece of brass. Then I made a slot on both sides of measure into the brass where it meets the aluninum .062x .500. Next slide brass into slot  mark the hole with pencil . Be sure to slide bar to one side before marking.  Remove bar.  Then mill a .375 hole at pencil mark. Also, tighten measure first put a mark where slot should be. Put bar back in now slide it back and forthit should show hole one way and be closed the other.
Title: New Star Progressive Owner
Post by: tk378 on November 24, 2003, 11:31:18 pm
My name is Tad Kepley and I have just recieved my first Star Progressive Press in 38 Spl. I love it. My good friend and Bullseye shooting buddy Dave Salyer helped me clean it up and get it going. WOW! This thing is impressive. This press sat in a room for probably 30-40 years with no attention. Its getting some now. I also noticed a serial number on the front of the base. Serial number 3627. Does that number mean anything to anyone on this forum. Does it mean anything?

Tad
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 03, 2003, 11:18:23 pm
Quote from: Ray Jones
This is GREAT!! I cherish the two Star Loaders I use, I even like the feeling of being a living fossil. On one is a shaker style case loader and on the other is a Chevron Case Master, Ottawa, Ill. One has a "bought" plate turner and the other has one I made, this was my 1st machine and I didn't know what a plate turner should look like- (it works very well). On both I have made new powder tubes with shut offs, much less powder all over when changing or fixing! I recut by hand a .32 shell plate to fit 9mm. that is the hardest steel!! My latest alteration is that I built a 400 CorBon from one of my 1911's so I took one of my tool heads and recut it for standard thread dies. I use a set of RCBS 400 CorBon dies, (slight alterations needed). Whats that about "necessity being the mother of invention?" One of my shooting partners wants me to load for .40 cal. Any ideas if this is avilable?


Call James Haverfield 800-557-4376 for more information.
I think he might have one for sale!!!!

Tom
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 03, 2003, 11:18:48 pm
Quote from: Ray Jones
This is GREAT!! I cherish the two Star Loaders I use, I even like the feeling of being a living fossil. On one is a shaker style case loader and on the other is a Chevron Case Master, Ottawa, Ill. One has a "bought" plate turner and the other has one I made, this was my 1st machine and I didn't know what a plate turner should look like- (it works very well). On both I have made new powder tubes with shut offs, much less powder all over when changing or fixing! I recut by hand a .32 shell plate to fit 9mm. that is the hardest steel!! My latest alteration is that I built a 400 CorBon from one of my 1911's so I took one of my tool heads and recut it for standard thread dies. I use a set of RCBS 400 CorBon dies, (slight alterations needed). Whats that about "necessity being the mother of invention?" One of my shooting partners wants me to load for .40 cal. Any ideas if this is avilable?


Call James Haverfield 800-557-4376 for more information.
I think he might have one for sale!!!!

Tom
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: HOS on December 14, 2003, 01:02:44 pm
:D Hi, Just found this site and was happy to see it.  Most shooters these days don't know what a Star reloader is.  I've been using them for about 40 yrs. and currently have 3.  2 set up for different loads in .38 spl and 1 for 45 ACP.  They are the best.  I love mine.  I have one Hulme case feeder but presently don't use it.  Mine are all set up 90 degrees to the right so inserting the case is right in front of me and I do that with my right hand as I insert the bullet with my left.  Set up this way I can see the case mouth as I insert the bullet.  Almost everyone else that I know, that has a Star, pulls the handle toward them and reaches way around to insert the bullet.  Wondered if anyone else uses the 90degree set up.  I can load 600 per hr. this way and that is sufficient for my .38s and 45s.
I would like to get one in .32 S&W long as I am using that in competition these days.  I see some of you have done a lot of remodeling.  I like the idea of a powder cutoff, think I'll try that.  Looking forward to finding a lot of good info on this site.
HOS
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 15, 2003, 08:28:55 am
Hi Hos,

     You said you had a Hulme case loader you did not use.  Do you want to sell It?   I love my Stars too but use the case loaders.  James H has a 32 cal for sale.  Phone number above !!

Fellow Star User
Tom
Title: Hulme Case feeder
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 15, 2003, 08:29:17 am
Hi Hos,

     You said you had a Hulme case loader you did not use.  Do you want to sell It?   I love my Stars too but use the case loaders.  James H has a 32 cal for sale.  Phone number above !!

Fellow Star User
Tom
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: HOS on December 15, 2003, 10:09:34 am
T.H., I might sell it, what are they worth?  Thanks for the info on the .32, I'll give him a call.  I know James H. I buy win. AA cases from him occasionally.
HOS
Title: Hi HOS,
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 15, 2003, 04:46:17 pm
Hi HOS,

     I really don't know what they are worth.  Don't have a clue.  
But if you have the rectangular one that is blued with no rust, in good working condition with the triangle do hicky that opperates it I will offer 85.00 plus shipping.  What will you take for it??

Tom Harrell
Sunny Florida
Title: Hulme
Post by: HOS on December 16, 2003, 09:28:35 am
I'll try to look at it today and see what the configuration is.
HOS
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: JOE DEE on December 17, 2003, 10:16:28 am
LOOKING FOR AUTO INDEXER AND TAMPER CRIMMER DIE FOR MY STAR MACHAINE DIE SIZE 45ACP ALSO POWER BAR 4.0GR
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: HOS on December 19, 2003, 11:08:55 am
TH, The Hulme feeder is as you said but I think I'll keep it for awhile.
I spoke to James H, yesterday but he wants 800 for the used .32 and admits it's from a commercial loading operation and has loaded 100s of 1000s.  I've bought several over the past few yrs. and never paid over 300 for a used machine even with case feeders and his has nothing but the bare machine.  I didn't even pay that much for my brand new one.
Are used machines bringing that much now?
Title: Yes they are high and getting higher.
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 19, 2003, 11:28:38 am
Yes,  They are getting more expensive all the time. I just paid 1245.00 for one on e-bay but it was as new condition with all the bells, whistles, and extra head. Around 30 to 40 years old.   Just like off a show room floor.  Best machine I have ever seen, best one I got now.  James is a retireing commercial reloader.  He rebuilds the Stars.  He has tons of parts to fix em up like new.   His machines are first rate mechanical condition.   I have seen them.  He helps me rebuild mine too.  I buy some old ones too and fix em up for fun.  If you want to sell the Hulme case feeder. Please call me. I will give as much as anybody maybe more.  

Have a great Christmas and happy New year!!!!

Best Regards

Tom Harrell
Title: Cost of used Stars these days...
Post by: starrel on December 19, 2003, 11:48:04 am
As much as I would like to say it, $300 Star Universals are not easy to come by. If you find them, please let us all know where.

Not that I recommend, but eBay has had a recent supply of  .38/.45s running from incomplete or very used at $350 to upwards of $1200 with extra tool head/dies, case feeder, indexer, powder slides. A tool head with Lifetyme dies has been running $300+...  The avg Star Universal is about $550 in decent condition .45 with case feeder. Condition is used carefully as most sellers that make them look pretty do not always have any ideas about wear, maintenance, etc.

In 1981-1983 Star Universals sold new at $925 to $1125...

Still better to go for a commercial unit in good repair where someone can assure it is working properly... Millions of rounds was not an exaggerated claim for the well-maintained Star.

I still like finding Stars from the original owner when they stop reloading. These are the best and they will prove it with helpful advice, setup, and where to find parts or fixes. Very resourceful Star owners are the norm.

I am looking forward to the holiday downtime to post loads of scans and newly received literature on maintenance, accessories, and Star articles from various members and sources.

A recent e-mail had a Hulme-like casefeeder for $180+. More info soon.
Title: Ditto Starrel
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 19, 2003, 03:15:29 pm
Yes Sir you got that right!!!!!!

You can get some deals on e-bay bad and good!!!!!!!!!!!
Buyer Be ware!!!!!!

You can polish up a worn out machine and make it look great but still be loose and worn.   You can not see if a machine is mechanically tight.

If you get one from Bill or James They guarantee what they sell.
I have dealt with both. Both are honest and great to deal with.  
I know James sells all his Stars with no questions money back.  
They both want you to be happy with the Star Reloaders.  

Bill Cunningham
STAR MACHINE WORKS
P.O. Box 1872
Pioneer, California 95666
phone 209-295-5000
fax 209-295-3394
http://starmachineworks.com/index.html


James Haverfield
13651 Sophomore Lane
Ft Myers, Florida 33912
phone 800-557-4376
Title: Auto indexer and/or Chevron Case Master or similar type
Post by: Oscar Orum on December 19, 2003, 03:44:04 pm
As noted, I am a new kid on the block. Using my universal star in different calibers for over 20 years but have been unable to locate a Chevron Case Master. Is any available? New, used or I would even attempt to build one with directions and encouragement.  I use a Hulme Case feeder and have very recently thought of an auto indexer. Would appreciate you comments and suggestion on these items.
Now a word of praise for the webmaster.  Thank you so very, very much.

Oscar Orum
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: HOS on December 21, 2003, 02:18:03 pm
Speaking of Star prices, a few yrs. back a friend showed me a Star that was owned by a Police Reserve unit.  It had been sitting in a basement for yrs. and the tool head would't move and the powder slide cover was broken.  He wanted to know if I could fix it and how much he should offer for it.  I said jokingly, about $25 .  He offered this and they took it, soaked it in a 5 gal bucket of solvent.  installed a new size die, a new spring , a new top for the powder slide, cleaned it up and it performed as good as new and is still cranking out ammo.  They're amazing!  We also bought 2 , 10 cav. H&G bullet molds from them and pd $50 each for them,
twice as much as for the Star.
HOS
Title: Plastic Case Tubes for Hulme
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 23, 2003, 06:01:30 pm
Anybody got any ideas where to get plastic tubes for the Hulme Case Feeder.
Title: Re: Auto indexer and/or Chevron Case Master or similar type
Post by: Thomas Harrell on December 26, 2003, 09:20:44 pm
Quote from: Oscar Orum
As noted, I am a new kid on the block. Using my universal star in different calibers for over 20 years but have been unable to locate a Chevron Case Master. Is any available? New, used or I would even attempt to build one with directions and encouragement.  I use a Hulme Case feeder and have very recently thought of an auto indexer. Would appreciate you comments and suggestion on these items.
Now a word of praise for the webmaster.  Thank you so very, very much.

Oscar Orum


Hi Oscar,

     I was at James Haverfield's house last weekend.  I asked him if he had a Cheveron thing.  He said he did.  Call him.

Tom
Title: New Member - Wondering how to use a star reloader
Post by: DMarley on January 15, 2004, 04:55:26 am
Good Morning all,
My name is Dean Marley, I currently live in Mountain Home ID.
 I inherited my grandfather?s Star (Universal - I believe) Reloader. I have already sent in copies of the price list and instruction sheet for the archives. I feel kind of dumb for asking a question like this... but how does a person use these machines? I grew up reloading on a rock chucker. The machine I inherited is in excellent condition, however I have no idea how to use it and my father really doesn't remember either. Is any one out there willing to explain to me how to use this machine?
If you need to see pic's of the reloader and extra equipment I have. E-mail me and I'll send them to you.  
 What I do know about it is that my granfather bought it new, with an extra head w/38 spl dies, sizer/lubercator. The head in the machine has 45acp dies in it.  The price list is dated 1953. Both powder slide housing bases has an "00" stamp. The lubricator/resizer has two dies for it one for the 38 and one that is for the 45 (.452).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dean Marley
Title: Re: New Member - Wondering how to use a star reloader
Post by: Thomas Harrell on January 15, 2004, 08:02:41 am
Quote from: DMarley
Good Morning all,
My name is Dean Marley, I currently live in Mountain Home ID.
 I inherited my grandfather?s Star (Universal - I believe) Reloader. I have already sent in copies of the price list and instruction sheet for the archives. I feel kind of dumb for asking a question like this... but how does a person use these machines? I grew up reloading on a rock chucker. The machine I inherited is in excellent condition, however I have no idea how to use it and my father really doesn't remember either. Is any one out there willing to explain to me how to use this machine?
If you need to see pic's of the reloader and extra equipment I have. E-mail me and I'll send them to you.  
 What I do know about it is that my granfather bought it new, with an extra head w/38 spl dies, sizer/lubercator. The head in the machine has 45acp dies in it.  The price list is dated 1953. Both powder slide housing bases has an "00" stamp. The lubricator/resizer has two dies for it one for the 38 and one that is for the 45 (.452).

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dean Marley
[no [no e-mail]@.com


Check your private messages!!!!!!
Title: Newbee
Post by: Ray Brandes on August 27, 2004, 06:18:27 am
Hello,
My name is Ray Brandes. I live near Marianna, FL. I have a Star .45ACP on the way. I am a distinguished rifleman, etc., but have yet to shoot my first bullseye match.
I have a full machine shop with foundry and I am looking forward to using my Star not just to reload, but as a model for making replacement parts.
Regards, Ray
Title: More Information soon, Please introduce yourselves...
Post by: Michael Carlin on January 14, 2005, 11:59:17 pm
Hi Ray, (to all, this is the famous Ray Brandes of High Power rifle fame, who produces the excellent Ray-Vin stuff).

To introduce myself,
Michael Carlin is a 54 year old professional soldier who continues to serve in the Army.  At present I am a Master Sergeant in a training development, and conduct operation here in Wisconsin. (Yes, that is Fort McCoy, near Sparta).

I am a distinguished pistol shot (1995).

My father and I bought a Star in about 1984 or 5, I have loaded about 25K rounds of 45 acp on this one.  It was purchased at the same time as an MA indexer and Hulme case feeder.

About 1996, I had a primer tube explosion. (I had never cleaned the machine and the fault was totally, mine).

I loaded a couple thousand rounds after that, but the maching has spent several years in the box the movers packed in in when I left Atlanta in 1997.

I have cleaned it up and am ordering a EZ Loader from TD Oniell, who posts here.  

I own at present an RCBS A, a Dillon 550, a CH single station, I have owned a CH 4 station, a Dillon 450, a Herter's C press.

The Star is simply the best of the lot!  Mine, when clean and adjusted, will produce match quality ammo effortlessly.  

I am disappointed that the machine we paid about $900 for with the Hulme and the MA indexer is now only worth 300 to 450 dollars.

The only machine that can compare is the Dillon 1050, they are about 1400 to 1600 bucks.  I think the Star a real outstanding value.

in fact, I am looking for a machine in 10mm or a universal to convert to 10mm.

Thanks for the Star Reloaders Forum!
Title: Atlanta
Post by: Ray Brandes on January 15, 2005, 06:42:42 am
Michael,
I see you a lot on NM or is it AR15. Did we know each other when you lived in Atlanta? I lived in Duluth from 10-93 through 11-2000 and shot rifle at RBGC and did the club newsletter too.
Currently I am in pursuit of that little gold pin and my hardballer is being built and I should have it soon.
What caused your primer tube explosion?
Regards, Ray
Title: Where we may have met previously
Post by: Michael Carlin on January 15, 2005, 11:36:18 pm
Ray,

I shot one match at River Bend with a rifle while I was stationed at USARC in Atlanta(1992-97). I think it was about 1995.  Mostly I shot IPSC there because I had equipment for that, and they played regularly at South
River Gun Club.

We have met at Perry, where I bought some stuff from you.
I am chasing the pin with the rifle, have slowly crept up, this year I will be earning some points.

The cause of the primer tube explosion, I was in a hurry and was cranking out a couple hundred rounds for practice. The machine was binding up a bit because I had spilled some 231 on it. I was loading in the basement of a friend's house.

The primer arm probably was carrying a little powder in it, and this prevented the fed primer from seating all the way down, as the slide moved forward the primer was crushed sideways because it was sticking up too high. This due to some powder on the shell plate and platen?.

This set some of the primers in the tube off , and the remainder were ejected into the sub flooring of the first floor .  The are still some unexploded primers buried in the bottom surface of the subflooring. (The hanging ceiling tiles were shredded, and the primer follower was stuck into the joist).

My fault entirely, should have stopped and cleaned up, should have stopped to see what the "hang up was instead of forcing it.

By the way, when I ordered parts from Star, I told was not the first to have blown up a primer magazine.  In fact the guy I spoke to did not seem to think it a really big deal. (Perhaps he was supressing his laughter at my stupidity.)



NEVER LET ANY PORTION OF YOUR BODY OVERHANG THE PRIMER SYSTEM WHILE THE MACHINE IS BEING OPERATED!
Title: powder magazine
Post by: cc656d on September 26, 2005, 07:26:53 pm
On five (5 ) of the six magazines that I have the plastic is excelon r 2000 FDA . This material is FDA approved rigid PVC tubing.