Star Price History

[tguntrader]

Guy,s 

         Bruce, I just found my book that was dated Jan. 1 1961.
                  Progressive                     $160.00

                  Prog, w Carbide               $170.00
                 
                  Universal                        $180.00

                  Universal w/ carbide         $190.00

              Tguntrader

       

[rbwillnj]

Thanks Willie, I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies) See Note*
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961...........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966................$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters)
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00    
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    (looks like an original Star price list, but maybe from Bill Cunningham?)

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

[peten]

I am new to this forum but do have some knowledge regarding Star Machine Works.  I knew a person who was related to the owner of Star.  He introdluced me and I visited Star in the late 70's.  What most people do not seem to realize is that the reloading tools was a part time portion of the Star Maching Works.  They were only made on Saturdays by one person (I cannot recall his name).  During the week the company machined many other items, one of which was brass coupling devises for sali boat lines and ropes. I still have one he gave me.  I had 2 presses and 4 heads, 9mm, 38/357, 40 and 45ACP.  They were fantastic and I sure wish I had not sold them.  Also have a Star sizer with 8 dies, each ordered for a specific Lyman mould.

[rbwillnj]

I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
May 1, 1952 ...............$  130.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961...........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966................$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters)
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00    
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    (looks like an original Star price list, but maybe from Bill Cunningham?)

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

[Marshal Kane]

Hi Bruce,

More updates to your Star price list:

November 1, 1972  

Progressive Reloader w/steel resizing die  $310
Progressive Reloader w/carbide resizing die  $320

Universal Reloader w/steel resizing die $350
Universal Reloader w/carbide resizing die  $360

January 1, 1993

Universal Reloader w/carbide resizing die  $925
Extra tool head  $345
Set of dies w/carbide resizing die  $155

April 1, 1999  (Bill Cunningham is the owner of Star)

Universal Reloader w/carbide resizing die  $925
Extra tool head w/shell plate  $356
Set of dies w/carbide resizing die and shell plate  $166

  

[rbwillnj]

I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
January 1, 1952 ......................Parts price list only, Includes price for carbide sizing dies
May 1, 1952 ...............$  130.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961...........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966................$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option)**
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters)
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00   
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    (looks like an original Star price list, but maybe from Bill Cunningham?)

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

**  July 15, 1970 Brochure with stamp on the front cover indicating that lead time for a Reloader is 5-6 months and for a Lubesizer 1-2 months.

[G. Deming]

Gentlemen,
      I may be able to help you fill in a gap in the pricing history of Star. I bought my Universal progressive  model with both .38 and .45 heads with carbide dies and other extras in May of 1969 for $375.00. At that time, I received a Star catalog and price sheet dated January 20, 1965 listing the price of the universal progressive model at $215.00 with carbide dies at $225.00. The standard progressive tool was $185.00 with the carbide die at $197.50. Extra tool heads were $65.00 with carbide dies adding $20.00. H&G molds were listed for sale also and the lubrisizer was $47.50........I loaded about 500 rounds of .38 special a couple of months ago with the usual flawless reliability. I wish I continued to work as well after 43 years!

[rbwillnj]

Thanks G. Deming

I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
January 1, 1952 ......................Parts price list only, Includes price for carbide sizing dies
May 1, 1952 ...............$  130.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961.......... $ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 20, 1965.........$ 225.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966...............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option. data from Jet22)
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option)**
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters)
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00    
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
July 8, 1996 .................$925.00    (from Welsh Rifleman)
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    (looks like an original Star price list, but maybe from Bill Cunningham?)

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

**  July 15, 1970 Brochure with stamp on the front cover indicating that lead time for a Reloader is 5-6 months and for a Lubesizer 1-2 months.

[Welsh Rifleman]

Hello Bruce......

I have some Star Machine Works parts lists that were included with the Star Universal Reloader that I recently acquired.

The one that is dated 7/8/96 isn't on your list....so here is the information.

Universal Reloader......................925.00
Extra Tool Head..........................345.00
Set of Dies.................................155.00

"Above items with carbide shell resizing die"

[rbwillnj]

Thanks George.

Anyone have a price list that pre-dates 1945?

[rbwillnj]

I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
January 1, 1952 ......................Parts price list only, Includes price for carbide sizing dies
May 1, 1952 ...............$  130.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1955 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961.......... $ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
May 21, 1963 ............. $ 210.00    (with carbide sizing die option) courtesy of Larry Lawson
January 20, 1965.........$ 225.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966...............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option)  Courtesy of Larry Lawson
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option)**
December 1, 1971 .......$320.00     (with carbide sizing die option) courtesy of Larry Lawson***
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters)
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00   
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
July 8, 1996 .................$925.00    (from Welsh Rifleman)
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    (looks like an original Star price list, but maybe from Bill Cunningham?)

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

**  July 15, 1970 Brochure with stamp on the front cover indicating that lead time for a Reloader is 5-6 months and for a Lubesizer 1-2 months.

*** December 1, 1971  9mm Carbide Die $41; .30 Carbine Die $71; Two Stage Carbide Die $41; All other Carbide Dies $22.50

[DDStraitwell]

Hi, just ran across the price list and instructions for my first Star Universal. CATALOG AND PRICE LIST - January 1, 1956.
Progressive Reloading Tool 38 special  $150.00  Universal Progressive Reloader   $170.00   Extra toolhead for one caliber including shell plate  $50.00   HENSLEY AND GIBBS moulds - 2 cavity $12.50 4 cavity $22.50 6 cavity $37.50 10 cavity $62.50.
Star Lubricator and Resizer  $38.00. This was bought through the Houston Police pistol range by Lt. Swearingin for me. At the time the waiting period was very long and usually when the machine came in the buyer was no longer interested so they would offer them to members of our Bayou Rifles pistol shooters who used the police range on Wednesday nights for Bullseye competition. I now have ten stars and two Phelps including the Star 223 machine. Still looking for others. It's a disease with no known cure.   DDStraitwell

[Buckhunter]

 I have a letter to Star Machine Works of San Diego, Inc. Attn: Rob Wilkinson
 418 Tenth Avenue, San Diego, California 92101,  Dated:February 7, 1990
 concerning the price of a Star Rifle Reloader, 30-06 that was being bought
 by SPEEDWAY SUPPLY, 915 Viola Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901.
 1. Star Rifle Reloader, .30-'06                  $1.500.00
     Remington 30- '06 case
     Winchester WLR primer
     46.5 gr DuPont 4895 powder
     Hornady #3050  168 gr .308 BTHP NM Bullet

 1. 27A Powder slide 00 for  4.5 gr  BE       $14.00
 I have not seen any prices on the Star Rifle and thought that I would share
 this information with the members on Star Rifle History prices.
  :)Buckhunter         

[rbwillnj]

I have updated my previous list

For a Universal Reloader, I can share the following price history;

December 1, 1945........$ 120.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
January 1, 1950.......................   Parts price list only, Includes price for carbide sizing dies, Steel Resizing Die, $4.50, Carbide, $18.50
January 1, 1952 ......................   Parts price list only, Includes price for carbide sizing dies
May 1, 1952 ...............$  130.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
July 1, 1953................$  150.00     (no mention of carbide sizing dies)
August 1, 1954 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1955 ...........$                Parts price list only.  Includes price for carbide sizing dies.
January 1, 1956 ......... $  170.00
December 1, 1958........$ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
January 1, 1961.......... $ 190.00     (with carbide sizing die option)
May 21, 1963 ............. $ 210.00    (with carbide sizing die option) courtesy of Larry Lawson
January 20, 1965.........$ 225.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
April 1, 1966...............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
March 1, 1968.............$ 248.00    (with carbide sizing die option)
Dec 1, 1968................$ 262.50    (with carbide sizing die option)  Courtesy of Larry Lawson
July 15, 1970...............$ 287.50    (with carbide sizing die option)**
December 1, 1971 .......$320.00     (with carbide sizing die option) courtesy of Larry Lawson***
November 1, 1973........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard)
November 1, 1975.........$ 450.00    (Carbide Dies are Standard
February 1, 1977..........$ 525.00
March 1, 1978..............$ 660.00
March 1, 1979..............$ 760.00   
March 1, 1980..............$ 925.00    (from Kenneth L. Walters
April 1, 1981................$1110.00    (pricing for "Progressive" Reloader no longer given)
January 10, 1983.........$  925.00    (Says New Lower Prices)
April 1, 1988.................$ 925.00    (Says New Lower Prices!)
May 1, 1990.................$ 925.00
September 1, 1991........$ 925.00
January 1, 1993............$ 925.00
July 8, 1996 .................$925.00    (from Welsh Rifleman)
May 1, 1997.................$ 925.00    Final Star "San Diego" Price List

*  July 1953 brochure/price list includes a note that "During the present emergency and labor shortage we will only attempt to carry in stock those parts necessary to load the 45 ACP and 38 Special"    Also says the Universal will adapt to the popular hand gun calibers "except 45 Auto Rim"

**  July 15, 1970 Brochure with stamp on the front cover indicating that lead time for a Reloader is 5-6 months and for a Lubesizer 1-2 months.

*** December 1, 1971  9mm Carbide Die $41; .30 Carbine Die $71; Two Stage Carbide Die $41; All other Carbide Dies $22.50