Going to look at a Star reloader

I ran into a guy this afternoon that is willing to sell his Star reloader at a decent price.  It supposedly will come complete with dies, etc. setup for .32 S&W.  I would prefer .32 ACP but will probably buy it if in good condition.  Anything I should pay particular attention to when inspecting it?

Star Machine Works - http://www.starmachineworks.com/  Bruce Williams can answer all your questions.

If I remember correctly, star dies are different from others so you might not be able to change it to 32acp.

Star Dies for the .32acp are available.  Can even be used on the Progressive model with the right shell plate.

Jerry Lehrer

Received a terrific education on Star reloaders and others this afternoon.  We weren't able to put together one (Star) for .32 ACP but hope to do so in the next couple of weeks.  Stars are interesting machines.

jerry lehrer wrote:Star Dies for the .32acp are available.  Can even be used on the Progressive model with the right shell plate.

Jerry Lehrer

Being in San Diego, did you have any association with Star besides possibly owning one of their reloading machines?  Is it true that the company first started out making irrigation type sprinkler components?

Their bread and butter was the irrigation equipment.  The loading machines were a side line.  They would make custom top punches.  We cast a gazillion bullets one winter and decided to push them through nose first.

Wobbley wrote:Their bread and butter was the irrigation equipment.  The loading machines were a side line.  They would make custom top punches.  We cast a gazillion bullets one winter and decided to push them through nose first.

Top punches as in the type of punch for casting bullets?  Were you involved with Star in San Diego?

Getting familiar with Star equipment is proving to be very interesting.

star bullets and star machines were not connected, bullets were in Indianapolis

DavidR wrote:star bullets and star machines were not connected, bullets were in Indianapolis

I realize that but (I think) he was talking about a tool that conforms to the head of the bullet in the sizing/lubing process.

beeser wrote:

Wobbley wrote:Their bread and butter was the irrigation equipment.  The loading machines were a side line.  They would make custom top punches.  We cast a gazillion bullets one winter and decided to push them through nose first.

Top punches as in the type of punch for casting bullets?  Were you involved with Star in San Diego?

Getting familiar with Star equipment is proving to be very interesting.

When I lived in San Diego I was friends with an avid bullseye shooter and reloader.  His Star lube sizer marked his bullets he cast so he had a habit of getting a custom top punch made.  Star would do it for only a few dollars extra.