Charge Bars?

[Mike B]

Hello,
 I recently acquired a Star Reloader (45 Cal). It is old but in excellent shape. It was used by a friend of mine who recently passed and was a competitive pistol shooter, so I know it has had a lot of use. The question I have is that I am ready to start reloading and the brass charge bar has a brass insert in it that has the number 5 on the side of the insert. Does this mean it is dropping 5 grains? I am a little confused because I know his favorite was 4.2 gr of Bullseye. If anyone can help I would be appreciative. And does anyone know where I can get additional inserts?
Mike

[NYKenn]

It is not five grains but a number 5 insert.
Different powders will drop different grains.
You could drop a few drops and measure on a scale to give you a starting point.

RBWillNJ (Bruce Williams) on this site will have accessories and inserts to alter to your load. Bruce has the Star Machine Works site.

There is also a thread on this list (which Bruce can provide) that determines size by masurement of the insert and computing the volume.

Good,luck.

[teg2650]

Mike,
 Hornady made a pistol powder measure that used/made the powder bushing you are talking about, it is 1/2 inch tall, I don't think they make the bushing any more. I have their 1986 catalog with a powder chart, PM me a email address and I will send you a picture of it. It shows #5 bushing to be 3.7 grains of bullseye. Bruce in NJ who owns Star makes the bushings.
Tom

[jglenn]

Bruce can make you any powder drop bushing you want. Not just the std. Pacific bushings.. Does an excellent job. he's made several for me for a specific load.

you can find the Pacific bushing on occasion on eBay