Recent Posts

51

Star Reloaders / Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells

« Last post by fc60 on August 04, 2025, 10:48:52 am »

Greetings,

The 38 Special expander plug will need to be modified.

It will interfere with the powder charge bar if you back it off to use on 357 Magnum.

Rather than modifying it, buy a new one from Star Machine Works.

Cheers,

Dave

52

Star Reloaders / Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells

« Last post by NYKenn on August 04, 2025, 10:28:15 am »

Forgot to add that RCBS and I think Lee, makes a set of spacers to spec.

53

Star Reloaders / Re: Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells

« Last post by NYKenn on August 04, 2025, 10:27:03 am »

You absolutely can use the same dies. Just need to adjust for the longer case length.

If you plan to continue loading both calibers, and are using the same bullet, you might want to consider using a 1/8 washer under the die when doing 357, and remove it for .38. The washer raises the die height for the difference in case length.

54

Star Reloaders / Universal 38 dies be adjusted to 357 shells

« Last post by Mike Walsh on August 04, 2025, 09:59:04 am »

Can a universal reloader with 38 dies be adjusted to reload 357 or do I need 357 dies

55

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Star Reloader Value

« Last post by allenlucas on July 29, 2025, 11:32:47 am »

Reloader sold for $700.  Thanks for the information.  Would have loved to keep, but glad I could sell to someone who would get use out of this fascinating tool.

56

Star Lubricator & Resizers / Re: Star Sizer with Powder Coated Bullets

« Last post by smokey43 on July 25, 2025, 02:27:03 am »

Thanks for the reply back

57

Star Reloaders / Re: 3D printing

« Last post by NYKenn on July 23, 2025, 06:46:38 pm »

Will take a look into TinkerCad, but not yet advanced enough (or have enough time) to design yet.
Maybe later!

58

Star Reloaders / Re: 3D printing

« Last post by brian_a_mcmillen on July 21, 2025, 08:43:21 pm »

I only printed one item for my Star.  I started loading 22TCM and needed the case feeder top plate that would work with the .223 plunger.  The 9mm plate was too short and there was no way the .223 plate would work so I went to tinkerCAD and designed one.  It works!!

59

Star History / Re: Star Branding Through the Years

« Last post by rbwillnj on July 19, 2025, 09:46:26 am »

In the May 1934 Issue of American Rifleman there was a review of the Star Reloader and it mentions that Star had developed a universal model for other calibers.   I did see a Universal model with an aluminum Pat. Pending base on eBay once but it had been painted red.   If it had a decal, any remnants had been destroyed with the repaint.

I do have the machine below.   It has the same style aluminum base as the Pat. Pending machines with the powder slide cam held in place with two screws and two studs, but the Pat. Pending has been removed from the base and the patent number has been stamped into the base.   Don't know when this machine was produced, but after Feb 1936 when the patent was issued, and probably before WWII.   There is no brass plaque or any sign it ever had one, but there is no guarantee the tool head is original...but it probably is as there is no patent number stamped on the tool head. 

I doubt if the chrome plating is original, but who knows.

Bruce Williams

60

Star History / Re: Star Branding Through the Years

« Last post by NYKenn on July 17, 2025, 08:13:39 pm »

Very interesting Bruce.
I recall seeing one cast base with the name in it at a gun show many years ago. One and only one.
Over the years I have seen all except for the one in Silver and yours.

I also recall seeing “remanufactured” stickers on Ebay, not sure if they could be distinguished from the originals.

Do you think any of the changes coordinated with the introduction of the Universal?

Regards
Kenn