Best reloader for 32 S&W Long.

I'm trying to gear up for loading 32 S&W long. I've got 2 Hornady LNL AP presses (1 set up for small primer and 1 for large primer). I was planning on loading on one of these but I was looking at the shell plate they make for 32 S&W long, not great reviews, apparently they have an issue where the brass can move inside the plate and not always stay centered.

So I could talk myself into buying a 3rd press to keep the Hornady presses set up for 45 & 38 and a 3rd loader for 32.

So I'm curious which loaders you guys are having luck with on 32 S&W long. I don't wanna go with an antique Star but might talk myself into a Dillon 550.

By coincidence I just finished a few hundred 32SWL on my 550. I have an oversized (.315)  powder drop that does slow the process down a bit but worth it to not squish the base of a HBWC.  I find the casefeeder a big plus. I think the 550 is an excellent press for .32SWL.

I was looking at minimum getting a dillon powder measure so I could use the oversized expanders that photoescape has been selling. All the other expanders I've found by Lyman and Hornady are too small for the 
.314 HBWC that I'm using and would damage the skirt as you mentioned.

You can really feel the differences in brass using the .315. I use a heavy crimp the keep the looser feeling bullets in place. 
I bought an extra small powder bar and used some epoxy to close the aperture some and just leave it at 1.4gr of VV310 for 32 only.

Greetings,

I have used a Star since 1977.

I would be lost without it.

Cheers,

Dave

What would be really interesting is if someone bought the Star patents (if they're still valid) and started manufacturing new units. They probably wouldn't be cheap though.

zanemoseley wrote:What would be really interesting is if someone bought the Star patents (if they're still valid) and started manufacturing new units. They probably wouldn't be cheap though.

I think Bruce Williams also thought it would be really interesting. starmachineworks.com

pistol champ wrote:

zanemoseley wrote:What would be really interesting is if someone bought the Star patents (if they're still valid) and started manufacturing new units. They probably wouldn't be cheap though.

I think Bruce Williams also thought it would be really interesting. starmachineworks.com

No new machines though.

fc60 wrote:Greetings,

I have used a Star since 1977.

I would be lost without it.

Cheers,

Dave

Dave,

1977 was a good year.

The problem with restarting production of the Star loading machines isn’t the proprietary rights, or the cost of the parts and labor.  it's the market itself.   People want loading machines that are far more versatile than the old Stars.  To re-engineer the Star machine into the machines wanted today, you’d end up with a Dillon 1050.  And it would cost nearly the same.

My setup is a 550 for all small primers. RCBS sizer, or a 38 die for slowfire, unresized cases. A 0.315 expander plug, a Lee powder thru expander with a RCBS drum type pistol micromer throw stuffed into the top of the die funnel. Last die is seat and crimp. Have to remember to manually flip the charge lever or get a squib.

Super consistency in loading velocity.

you don't need a new star, bruce replaces all worn parts of his rebuilds. Its just steel, old steel or new steel its still works.

I have used a 550 for many years, on all calibers. Last year I purchased a completely refurbished Star for 32long exclusively.  They are nice machines, but I never got used to it. For me, too complex/different/not user friendly , and I had too much muscle memory from using the 550 for many years. YMMV

I sold it and got another new 550.  One is set for 32 ACP the other 32 Long. 

I use the Dillon Xsmall powder measure, and the Photo Escape 2 stage powder thru dies, and works super.  I have found it is important to use only one brand of brass (I use Lapua). This might explain some issues others have had with the shell plate?

I did have minor issues with the shell plate when I started, but I think experience has pretty much eliminated it. I used to switch among several calibers and I think I was perhaps being a bit sloppy when adjusting/keeping clean.

Greetings,

I have talked with Mr. Bruce Williams of Star Machine Works about "new" machines. The cost to do a startup of new production is not realistic.

Bruce buys old machines from Estates and retired shooters, tears them down completely, refinishes (blues) the black oxided parts, and replaces any worn items.

End result? The machines look and function as new.

Bruce also has contractors that machine new parts as needed from the original factory drawings.

Custom loading needs are addressed on a case by case basis. Such as, special diameter sizing dies, expander plugs, bullet seaters, and crimping dies.

The machines were initially "targeted" toward Police departments and Shooting Clubs that reloaded many thousands of rounds. Some upward of one million, although hard to verify.

The above machines do exhibit wear and tear.

For most of us, a Star machine kept clean, lubricated, and not abused is very difficult to wear out.

In summary, Star is very much alive and well.

Contact Bruce at www.starmachineworks.com and ask for some images of finished machines. You will be impressed.

Cheers,

Dave

I emailed Bruce at Star and got some info. He also sent me some pictures, they are doing some very thorough restorations, they look nearly new. One thing I don't love is that they don't use standard size threaded dies.

Threads are weird all the way through it....but it is what it is....

Using a Dillon SDB here....  Ordered as a 32 S&W loader it comes  with the extra small powder bar.