As much as I would like to say it, $300 Star Universals are not easy to come by. If you find them, please let us all know where.
Not that I recommend, but eBay has had a recent supply of .38/.45s running from incomplete or very used at $350 to upwards of $1200 with extra tool head/dies, case feeder, indexer, powder slides. A tool head with Lifetyme dies has been running $300+... The avg Star Universal is about $550 in decent condition .45 with case feeder. Condition is used carefully as most sellers that make them look pretty do not always have any ideas about wear, maintenance, etc.
In 1981-1983 Star Universals sold new at $925 to $1125...
Still better to go for a commercial unit in good repair where someone can assure it is working properly... Millions of rounds was not an exaggerated claim for the well-maintained Star.
I still like finding Stars from the original owner when they stop reloading. These are the best and they will prove it with helpful advice, setup, and where to find parts or fixes. Very resourceful Star owners are the norm.
I am looking forward to the holiday downtime to post loads of scans and newly received literature on maintenance, accessories, and Star articles from various members and sources.
A recent e-mail had a Hulme-like casefeeder for $180+. More info soon.