Messages

1

Star Reloaders / Re: 3 Star Machine Presses, 2 Others, and some parts.... What's my value??

« on: January 21, 2015, 02:10:33 pm »

Are you ready for some work?  First, learn something about each machine so you can describe each in more detail.  You already know the manufacturer for each.  For the Star machines, determine for each if it is a Progressive or Universal model.  There are posts with pictures on this website that will show the difference.  Determine if a Hulme case feeder is attached.  Again, pictures are easily found on the net and this website.  Find the caliber (what cartridge it reloads) of the machine.  This is probably stamped onto one of the reloading dies.  With these three (or four) parameters (manufacturer, progressive or universal if applicable, presence of Hulme case feeder and caliber) search ebay for reloaders meeting the parameters for each machine.  It won't take long to see prices for the Star.  CPM and Phelps seldom show up (not as many) but when they do, prices are similar to those of the Star.
Now, a preferable addition if you are comfortable with it. Put your location in a post and see if any forum members are close by and might give you a hand or know of a local resource near you.  It would be great to be able to link some of the "spare parts" with the correct machine if it is applicable. Doesn't mean you have to bundle to sell but many purchasers appreciate being able to purchase a complete machine and parts without having to search for each individual piece that is missing.  Not to mention that the head assemblies with additional calibers for the Universal model were probably assembled for a specific individual machine and a purchaser would prefer to purchase a head that he or she knows will fit without undue work or searching a long time for a replacement part that mates more closely!

2

Star Reloaders / Re: Does Super Star 223 Conversion Kit fit both Progressive and Universal Reloaders

« on: January 14, 2015, 10:14:33 am »

Good explanation. The case "wobble" sure slows down the process since now I just pause a second or so for the relatively tall (and unstable) cases to stop moving before I throw the handle. Glad to learn that there is a solution and that parts are available. Now that you have posted a picture I realize that I had the parts for a dissasembled shell locator strap that were in a box of Star spare parts and I had no idea what it was. There was only the one strap assembly. I'll look at your two location assembly (I just ordered) and post a note after I try both on my press.

3

Star Reloaders / Re: Does Super Star 223 Conversion Kit fit both Progressive and Universal Reloaders

« on: January 13, 2015, 04:34:17 pm »

Thanks.  Do you happen to have a picture of them in place and supporting the 223 case.  Or if not, which goes in which station?

4

Star Reloaders / Re: Does Super Star 223 Conversion Kit fit both Progressive and Universal Reloaders

« on: January 13, 2015, 11:27:01 am »

Does anyone have pictures of the two shell straps that can be posted that will show the differences?
Does anyone make replacement 223 shell strap assemblies?

5

Star Reloaders / Does Super Star 223 Conversion Kit fit both Progressive and Universal Reloaders

« on: January 12, 2015, 12:06:36 pm »

Was the Super Star 223 Conversion kit designed for the Progressive model reloader or the Universal reloader or does it fit both?

6

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Mettler PL83-S scale for measuring powder to .02 grain

« on: June 23, 2011, 03:18:20 pm »

Don't see this scale for sale used very often and one is available now on ebay.  Would be a top end scale for a reloader (this is the one I use that I like very much).  Do a search in ebay for Mettler PL83-S or look up on the web for a description.  Note that a 50 gram calibration weight does not come with the scale and must be purchased separate (the standard reloaders weights in 50 gram size are not accurate enough to calibrate this scale).

This is not my item. 

Anyone else using this scale?  Any opinions?

7

Star Reloaders / Star factory tool head for 7/8 inch dies

« on: May 27, 2011, 07:32:34 pm »

I have what I think (was told) is a Star factory tool head which came cut for 7/8 inch dies. The most obvious difference, other than the size of the die holes, is a semicircular vertical kerf cut in the tool head lower link pin housing which aligns with the 7/8 inch hole for the sizing die and allows the 7/8 inch die to be withdrawn from the top side.  Without this clearance kerf, the sizing die could not be inserted or would need to be machined down so it could be inserted from the bottom of the tool head.  None of my Star machines for Star dies have this clearance kerf.  This tool head looks like it has the original paint and not a touchup suggesting the cuts had been made aftermarket.  Can anyone comment about my assumption that this is a factory cut characteristic or describe the clearance solution on their known factory cut 7/8 inch toolhead?

8

Star Reloaders / 223 and Star

« on: May 26, 2011, 04:54:06 pm »

The answer is a easy yes for the 223 Rem.  However work (and expense) is involved.  See the following posts I have made outlining the process  (or at least the way I did it, there are a number of ways to carry out the necessary modifications).
       Reload 223 Rem on Star: Part 1, Dies
       Reload 223 Rem on Star: Part 2, Powder Assembly
       Reload 223 Rem on Star: Part 3, Expander Mandrel
I and others have make additional posts that can be located with Search.  The posts also discuss sources for the parts or guidelines for having some of the parts machined.  Even if a Star for the 223 wasn't commercially feasible, it is very possible to set the Star up for 223.

9

Star Reloaders / Re: Help: I Lost my primer bar return spring

« on: May 17, 2010, 11:21:41 am »

The wire diameter of my spring is .019" and the size is 3/16 x 2 1/2.  I don't know if this is a common off the shelf size or not (although .020" is common, as is 3/16 diameter). The problem may be finding that size compression spring long enough.  It may take a web search engine for the .020 diameter to come up with the correct length.

Manuel

10

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Re: Expander Die Diameter for the .45 ACP

« on: January 17, 2010, 08:22:21 pm »

Let's make sure I'm measuring the part you need.  You are asking about the expander mandrel for 45 ACP, the expander portion, not the bell portion.  I measure .4517 inch.  This is from the expander that came with my Star that was factory setup for loading 45 ACP. This measurement makes sense in that the diamerter of most jacketed 45 ACP bullets is .451 and most cast or lead 45 ACP are .452 (or in my case cast are sized to .4515 for use in a Douglas barrel). 

Hope this helps.  Of course, if I measured the wrong part, let me know and I'll try again!


Manuel

11

Star Reloaders / Re: 223 Rem die planned by CH Tool and Die

« on: November 20, 2009, 09:03:45 pm »

The Star dies aren't listed on the CH Tool and Die website.  Caliber availability and price are available by email  (address is on website) or calling (again, number is on website).  Try emailing them, it will also let them know there is interest out there. 

Anyone purchased Star dies from them recently who can let us know what they paid?  The last one I bought from them was a taper crimp die in 38 Spec. and that was a long time ago.

12

Loading Data & Reloading Procedures / Using adjustable slides to throw A2230 rifle powder for 223 Rem

« on: November 08, 2009, 06:38:35 pm »

These numbers may be of help for anyone planning on using adjustable powder slides for A2230 rifle powder.  Both slides mentioned below were made by Rich Daniels (Barrel Tester name on this forum) for the Star reloader although the conclusions should apply to any adjustable slide the same size.

The ½ inch powder slide adjusted to a perfect circle  (7/16 inch) throws 18.7 grain A2230 with a variation from 18.6-18.8 grain.  The 5/8 inch powder slide adjusted to a perfect circle (7/16 inch) throws 21.5 grain with a variation too small for my scale to measure a range.  Both of these amounts are smaller than the usual minimum charge for reloading 223 Rem with A2230.

Opening up the hole in the ½ inch slide sufficiently with the adjustment screw to throw 26.4 grain gave a variation from 26.2 to 26.6 grains.  The 5/8 inch slide adjusted for a average throw of 25.1 grain gave a variation of 25.0-25.2. Note that as the hole is elongated by the adjustment, it becomes longer than the hole in the powder base housing and cover plate and as a consequence, there is more variation between throws.

Each of the preceding represents data for 5 throws.  The throws had to be very slow toward the end of the handle upswing or powder in the powder spout tube spilled out when the tube was withdrawn from the cartridge opening for the larger throws.  This was little to no  problem with spillage for the smaller throws listed for each size slide and not a problem for the large or small throws once I learned to slow down!

Because there is less variation for the larger loads when using the 5/8 inch powder slide, I would suggest that reloaders  planning to load A2230 in that range use the 5/8 inch powder slide although if the variation is acceptable in the higher loads or a lower load such as 22.5 grains is used, the ½ inch slide will work fine. 

Hope you can use this.

13

Star Reloaders / Re: Recutting 223 Rem standard RCBS dies for Star 11/16-24

« on: October 26, 2009, 11:48:16 am »

The modified dies functioned fine.  There were no scratch marks on the brass from the cut to shorten the sizer die.  The seater stem was cut short so it cleared the tool head spring anchor screw. The size die was shortened sufficiently (yet still long enough to recess in the shellplate recess on full throw) so that the brass sized to spec in a Wilson case gage. I did use lubricated cases.  I was able to adjust the seater die for the correct overall length and to lightly crimp the brass into the jacked bullet groove.  It measures such that it should headspace fine but I have not yet loaded and test fired.  I'll do this once I set the dies up in a Star toolhead with regular 11/16-24 openings.  My initial goal was to show that standard dies could be cut down and fit in a Star with sufficient clearances to use with 223 Rem case and bullets.

The overall length of the sizer body is 2.253 inches and the diameter at the end is reduced to .640 inches in order to clear into the shellplate.  The seater die body is 2.470 inches in lenght.  If I get another set of RCBS 223 dies (my only set was used for this!), I'll post side by side for comparison. If it will help, I'll be glad to post any other measurements or views needed.

I'd like to hear from those who have cut down dies about cutting through the case hardened layer.  Any trick or method to make it easier?  Is there any brand of die that is not as case hardened or that has a very thin layer?  A less difficult to work metal would be a help.

14

Star Reloaders / Recutting 223 Rem standard RCBS dies for Star 11/16-24

« on: October 26, 2009, 11:22:15 am »

Dave Wilson (aka fc60 here on Starreloaders) took on the project of recutting a RCBS 11101 F.L. Die Set in 223 Rem for the Star toolhead with 11/16-24 die holes.  He did this as a one time project, noting that the RCBS dies were "difficult to machine."  The case hardened thickness of the rifle dies was .015 to .020 inches and that just to get through this hardened layer "ate up several carbide inserts".  He reported however that machining was straight forward once the hardened surface was removed.

The attached pictures attest to the skill of his machine work and he understands the clearances necessary for a die in a Star reloader.

He used as a initial guide the measurements I posted for modifying a set of Dillon standard 223 dies for a 7/8-14 hole head that are posted under "Reloading 223 Rem on Star" here in this forum.

I set the dies up using adapters to reduce the 7/8-14 holes in my toolhead to 11/16-24 to check for clearances.  If the pictures don't look quite right, you are probable seeing the thin knurled ring of the adapter.  It is close but as can be seen in the pictures, there is ample clearance for both the sizer and seater dies.  

15

Star Reloaders / Re: Reload 223 Rem on Star: Part 3, Expander Mandrel

« on: October 07, 2009, 08:06:42 pm »

The powder measure spouts and expander mandrels specific for 223 Rem are ready.  See Want to Sell/Want to Buy Discussion Forum for availability or email me for current prices.

Manuel Cepeda