Last week I picked up a Star rifle machine (with serious issues), and have started to clean it up. I had a few questions if someone on the forum is familiar with this configuration of Star. My searches on the subject here have only given some sketchy results. It sounds like these Stars were quite uncommon, does anyone know approximately how many of these were produced, and the rough time frame that they were manufactured in?
This one is marked R15 next to the patent number on the die head, and currently has .223 dies in the head (RCBS). The head is tapped for 7/8 x 14 sizer and seater dies and the die head is a thicker casting than the standard pistol universal. Were these Stars ever produced to use other calibers than .223, or was that the only offering? This does not appear to be the Dillon refit, all parts look original. The machine was rusted solid in the base, and nothing would move. The die head was also frozen on the shaft and the it has taken a few days to get everything to move (lots of penetrating oil).
The powder measure actuator is really different than the conventional setup due to the much larger charges that need to be thrown. That casting is about 2 inches square and has a replaceable bored out aluminum block (inside the powder slide) that drops the charge. It looks like it would be straightforward to machine multiple blocks and drill them out for different charges. The measure cam setup is really unique. The other major differences that I see are the longer curved link arms in the front, and a longer distance of travel for the die head. With luck, if Santa is good I will get a digital camera next week and will try to post a couple of photos. Meanwhile I would appreciate any insight and information from the members here. Thanks.
