Messages

31

Star Reloaders / Re: Helpfull Modification

« on: October 11, 2018, 06:27:56 pm »

Interesting.  Did you fabricate the part?  Looks like it is case hardened.

What do you find most 'helpful' about it?

32

Star Reloaders / Re: Reloading 45acp

« on: August 21, 2018, 12:11:00 am »

Wet tumbling leaves the cases dry & oil-free.  Even when nicely polished, these cases can require much greater force to resize (w/carbide sizer) than say dirt free, but tarnished, cases.

Try the Star recommended lanolin trick on 15 or 20 cases and see if that doesn't clear up the issue.

From page 4 or the Star instruction booklet:

DO NOT use gasoline or solvent on your shells. It makes them so dry that they may stick to
the die and cause scratches. After your shells are clean and free of grit just before starting to
reload, dip the tips of your fingers in hydrous lanolin and stir the shells. A very little lubrication
will keep them from sticking.

Let us know how it goes.  BTW, I bought my jar of lanolin on Amazon. A lifetime supply cost me around $10 I believe.  As it said, very little is all it takes.

Warren

33

Star Reloaders / Re: Star-made shell plates

« on: June 30, 2018, 12:48:17 pm »

Thanks Dave and Bob.

Well, I'm not thinking of cranking up a faux-Star production line.

I am 'dangerously' mechanically-minded enough to be curious about how Star made these great machines the we hold in such reverence.

In the way modern-day progressives are constructed, I would guess that a 2018 Star-like tool head would be made from an alloy of Aluminum.  Maybe sleeved for less wear in the center bore.  Wonder how such an aluminum part would hold up compared the the original all iron/steel?

Oh well, just wandering thoughts.

34

Star Reloaders / Re: Star-made shell plates

« on: June 29, 2018, 04:07:41 pm »

Very interesting stuff.

So you think the tool head molds went off to China and never came back.

What other parts in the reloaders were cast?  Alum. base, crank shaft bearing, powder slide housing ??  Did Star do their own casting?
Are the raw shell plates cast, or sliced from large round stock?

I've never read Bruce mentioning the tool head molds, or any other molds.

From a machinists view, how difficult was it to cast, then machine the casting into a finished tool head?

35

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: For Sale - Pyrex powder hoppers

« on: June 13, 2018, 01:51:33 pm »

The knowledge-base of this website always amazes me.

36

Star Reloaders / Re: Star loader with extras

« on: April 19, 2018, 01:01:54 pm »

Thing of beauty!  Would love to try out one of those bullet feeders.

37

Star Reloaders / Re: Need help with the press mount

« on: March 22, 2018, 03:19:19 pm »

Here's what Star said in their original instructions:

INSTALLING MACHINE
In order that you may have the correct position for reloading, you should build a bench by using a board 4 feet or more in length; about 2 inches thick and 12 inches wide, using 3 or 4 legs long enough to make the bench about the same height as a chair. In the center of the bench build up a portion 5 inches high, making holes in the top for the loaded shells and fired primers to drop through into trays set under the reloader and on top of the bench; then bolt the reloader down on the top of the raised portion.

The raised portion should extend out far enough to the left of the reloader to have room to set two trays containing empty shells and bullets.
This arrangement will leave room enough on one end of the bench for the operator to sit while reloading and should you have a helper, he can sit on the other end.

After you have your reloader installed and before trying to do any reloading, you should make a study of each operation. Before filling the powder magazine or putting primers in the tube, we would suggest that you run a few empty shells through, bringing the lever all the way down each time you insert and position a shell in the plate, and watch carefully each station so that you will know just what is taking place, at the same time you will learn why there is a loaded shell at each stroke of the lever.

A full PDF copy of the instructions from Star Machine Works is attached.

38

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Star reloader heads for sale 45 - 38 for sale.

« on: March 06, 2018, 11:30:22 am »

Check the file size of your picture.
See my edit in post above.

39

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Star reloader heads for sale 45 - 38 for sale.

« on: March 05, 2018, 06:35:14 pm »

YOUR PICTURE DOESN'T OPEN

The following verbiage appears when you click on 'ATTACHMENTS'.
Be sure you are not exceeding the individual file size.

Allowed file types: txt, doc, pdf, jpg, gif
Restrictions: 10 per post, maximum total size 1096KB, maximum individual size 196KB

40

Star Reloaders / Re: charge bars

« on: January 16, 2018, 11:20:22 am »

Interesting, Bruce.
The reference marks on the adjustable powder bars are a handy addition.
Where do the parts above the charge bars in pic #2 fit on the machines?

41

Star Reloaders / Re: charge bars

« on: January 15, 2018, 05:09:29 pm »

Do Star Universals set up to load .223/5.56MM use an even thicker bar?  Maybe custom built.  Say. 3/4" or 1" to handle the small rifle powder charge.

42

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: Powder magazine

« on: December 16, 2017, 05:24:27 pm »

Ditto on Bruce.  He just did one for me.  I sent him the part I had, & he supplied the rest.  Looks perfect.

Email or call him & he'll get you squared away.

http://www.starmachineworks.com/

43

Star Reloaders / Re: MA systems bullet feeder

« on: December 07, 2017, 01:23:29 pm »

Thanks.  Very interesting pictures.
What causes the bullet holder to retract before the seating die hits it?

44

Stars Want to Sell/Want to Buy / Re: MA System Bullet Feeder

« on: December 06, 2017, 02:58:13 pm »

Have sent you a PM, and have tried reaching you via call and text using the # you posted.  No successful connection, yet.

So, what is happening with your MA System bullet feeder?

Any more pictures you can post?

Thanks

45

Star Reloaders / Re: I have 2 Star reloaders and need info on them

« on: November 29, 2017, 10:33:12 am »

As usual, the "Devil is in the Details."  4 or 6 clear photos showing press(es), dies, toolheads, all accessories, etc. are worth a lot more than verbiage.
.45 ACP & .38 Spl were most common calibers from Star.  Original Star 9 MM & .30 Carbine equipment would bring more interest.  Sharp photos will help establish condition --- Near Pristine or more like pulled from a swamp?  What about case feeders, indexers, bullet feeders, extra parts?