Advice on .380 and 38 press

[My(2)Cents]

I have a 45 universal press and I would like to be able to load 38/357 and .380.

What would I need parts wise to convert over?

Would I be better off somehow finding a .380 complete press and just getting a tool head in 38?

[fc60]

Greetings,

You will need a complete set of dies for 38 Special and 380 Auto. They are not interchangeable.

You cannot have too many Star machines. However, spare tool heads and shell plates are probably the best choice.

38 Special dies are common and probably someone on this Forum has a set to sell.

The 380 dies and shell plate may be a little more difficult to locate. I can machine a set of replica dies if you are unable to locate originals. Contact me via personal email for specifics.

Rich Daniels can supply you with a shell plate, I think.

There is a complete machine on AuctionArms in 380. He is asking $800.00, plus shipping.

[rbwillnj]

As Dave said, you can't have too many Stars.  But if you don't have the room or the budget, it's nice to have at least two, one for small primers, one for large primers.   Then you can just switch tool heads and shell plates.

I have dies and shell plates for 38 Special.   I also have tool heads.

I also have the 380 conversion kit for the Hulme case feeder.

You can't go wrong with Dave Wilson's dies.  They are beautiful.