Are Star reloaders still in demand?

RWJ · Apr 22, 2022

The press I have is a universal (changeable calibers), not the fixed single caliber progressive. That figure included the dies and shell plate ($355) (adding a separate taper crimp is $65 more), a #32 powder spout ($20), and a new top plate for the case feeder ($25).

Given the age of the press, I probably would have bought all new springs as well, around $45.

I would have needed case feeder tubes also.

Green Frog · Apr 22, 2022

Thanks, RWJ. I guess I'll keep my old Progressive set up for 38 Spl and shoot my K38 more.

I've potentially got a 32 conversion coming for my Dillon 550, so I think that will be my strategy, with any 44s and 45s I load (rare occasions) done on one of my single stage presses. Thanks for sharing.

Froggie

Walking softly · Apr 22, 2022

Not in demand but undervalued

I'm late to this post, but had a few thoughts to share.

The Star reloaders are not in demand, but that's because the market is trendy and obsessed with the newest, latest and greatest products.

Star reloaders are excellent progressive loading machines that have produced millions of rounds. The Star's excel for high volume reloading of pistol ammunition. The quality and consistency of that ammunition is equal to the current top of the line loaders.

Caliber conversations are more expensive because the of the tool head, proprietary dies and shell plate.

Personally, I have an original Star in 38, and purchased a 'new' star from Bruce to load lots 9mm for significantly less then a comparable Dillon. I use a Dillon 550 to load my other calibers. My Star's are always set-up and roughly 150% faster then the Dillon.

The Dillon's are good, but don't underestimate the Stars just because they're old and don't make headlines.

PS: Bruce, Dave, Rich and the other Star experts can be found here: StarReloaders.com Discussion Forum - Index

RWJ · Apr 22, 2022

Make sure of the funnel they send if you do

Green Frog said:
Thanks, RWJ. I guess I'll keep my old Progressive set up for 38 Spl and shoot my K38 more.
I've potentially got a 32 conversion coming for my Dillon 550, so I think that will be my strategy, with any 44s and 45s I load (rare occasions) done on one of my single stage presses. Thanks for sharing.

Froggie

I have the conversion somewhere in my workshop to convert to .32 for the 550, but I specified that I wanted to be able to load .32 S&W , as well as 32 Mag. They kept sending a funnel that would only work for .32 S&W long and .32 Magnum. It took about 3 tries, even after telephone conversations, until I found someone who understood

; I think the funnel they finally sent and got right was for .32ACP, because it worked then. The longer funnel would bottom out.

Green Frog · Apr 22, 2022

RWJ said:
I have the conversion somewhere in my workshop to convert to .32 for the 550, but I specified that I wanted to be able to load .32 S&W , as well as 32 Mag. They kept sending a funnel that would only work for .32 S&W long and .32 Magnum. It took about 3 tries, even after telephone conversations, until I found someone who understood ; I think the funnel they finally sent and got right was for .32ACP, because it worked then. The longer funnel would bottom out.

Good info RWJ. I load so few 32 S&W ("short") that I can get by with my set of 19th Century S&W hand tools.

I believe I've loaded less than 100 of them ever. I'm concerned that Dillon won't go the other way. They specifically say their dies won't load the longer 327 FM though every set of modern dies from other manufacturers (at least Lee, Lyman, and RCBS) will. Go figure!

Froggie

NEKVT1 · Apr 22, 2022

A lot of neat history associated with the old Starr loaders. They will built to last and tough as nails, and smooth as a Cadillac. I have owned the original Starr loader and the later Starr Universal Loaders. Years ago I was able to get a lot of information from Fitz of Fitz Grips in CA. Downside is no case activated powder dispenser.

oneoff · Apr 22, 2022

If I had an old Star laying around that I wanted to get rid of, I would go over to the Bull's-elEye L forum and do a little research there in the sales section that they call Commercial Row. Those folks shoot alot, and they like the old classic equipment. You'll find several that have sold that should give you an idea what you can get for yours.

DWalt · Apr 22, 2022

Many years ago, I had a friend who had a Star. We loaded many thousands of .38 Special rounds with it. I have no need for one today. My Posness Warren Metalmatic does all I need even though it is slower than the Star.

I may have told the story about the Sheriff's department back in my old Ohio home town, They had a jail trusty who loaded all their practice ammo using a Star loader. I think the same practice ammo was also used by the city PD. I once saw him at work, he was fast.

philconrad · Apr 22, 2022

The lateJim Hoag was a big fan of their machines.

Mike SC Hunter · Apr 22, 2022

For you youngsters that call them junk.......Ya don't know!....Back in the late 50's and on through the 60's the STAR Machines RULED. They were about the only quality progressive loaders out there(at that time Mike Dillon was probably still in high school). Their lubers and sizers were quality too. Small cartridge manufacturers used them all the time.....So. Next time know your subject before you comment.

Are Star reloaders still in demand?

RWJ

Green Frog

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Walking softly

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RWJ

Green Frog

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NEKVT1

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oneoff

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DWalt

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philconrad

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Mike SC Hunter

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