magma star lube sizer

msn_jrd · January 08, 2010, 12:00:52 AM

Im getting ready to buy the stuff to start casting my own big lube boolits and was looking at the star lube sizer http://magmaengineering.com/products/magma-star-lube-sizer because everyone seem to like it but i was wondering if a heated base is necessary if i am going to use DD's lube

msn_jrd · January 08, 2010, 12:04:12 AM

sorry for the double post something happened and had to use the refresh and that's what i get $:-\$

Jefro · January 08, 2010, 12:18:34 AM

Howdy msn, no you won't need a heater for BP. I have two Stars, one for BP one for that other fad powder. If I do need heat I wrap a hot rice bag around the base. It's sorta like a bean bag full rice. micro wave 90 sec. Or you can use a hair dryer. Good Luck.

Jefro

No problem on the double tap, you can edit the title and post to say "delete"

Dick Dastardly · January 08, 2010, 08:55:00 AM

Howdy Pard,

I use a Star/Magma lube/sizer with my PL-II lube and have never needed heat on it. In fact, I prefer to lube/size bullets when it's a little cooler cuz the lube stays put in the grove a little better.

So, no, you don't need a heater with your Star unit unless it's out in the garage and gets real cold. . .

DD-DLoS

msn_jrd · January 08, 2010, 10:23:10 PM

thanks alot guys

fourfingersofdeath · January 09, 2010, 07:31:21 AM

If you guys ever decide that you do need a heated lubesizer, go to the cast boolits site and look for a Pat Marlin. He makes aluminium base plates for presses, etc, etc, etc with a dock that fits to your bench. There is an elevated plate at the rear which is perfect for resting a clothes iron on. You can pick up a non steam one for about 10 bucks or less. When you're finished, remove the iron and put it away. Use the same dock for all your presses, trimmers and lubesizers. Great stuff.

Steel Horse Bailey · January 13, 2010, 04:30:42 PM

Quote from: fourfingersofdeath on January 09, 2010, 07:31:21 AM
If you guys ever decide that you do need a heated lubesizer, go to the cast boolits site and look for a Pat Marlin. He makes aluminium base plates for presses, etc, etc, etc with a dock that fits to your bench. There is an elevated plate at the rear which is perfect for resting a clothes iron on. You can pick up a non steam one for about 10 bucks or less. When you're finished, remove the iron and put it away. Use the same dock for all your presses, trimmers and lubesizers. Great stuff.

Great suggestion, 4 Fingers!

As for a M. Star Lubrisizer, I want one BADLY ... I just can't afford one.

Noz · January 14, 2010, 08:38:17 AM

Steel Horse, I hear that.

A friend has one but he won't buy the dies for my bullets. How cold is that?

Fairshake · January 14, 2010, 09:47:36 AM

Hey Noz, I have two Stars and have been using the Star since about 1972. I will say that your friend is a very smart person. You would be amazed at how many offers you receive when others find you have a Star. I did this for one pard and he showed up for the first session. After that it would be I've got to do some things for the wife would you lube these 500 and I'll bring you some more. VERY SMART MAN!

Steel Horse Bailey · January 14, 2010, 06:36:30 PM

Quote from: Noz on January 14, 2010, 08:38:17 AM
Steel Horse, I hear that.

A friend has one but he won't buy the dies for my bullets. How cold is that?

Very!

But I understand Fairshake's logic.

Dick Dastardly · January 15, 2010, 08:33:48 AM

Beer Fairshake. Hold out for beer. Don't go cheep either. . .

DD-DLoS

Dalton Masterson · January 15, 2010, 03:14:41 PM

Howdy gents. I have been ebaying off some stuff so that I can get a Star.
Do they come with a die and top punch, or is that extra??
Is the airpressure set up worth it?
DM

Dick Dastardly · January 15, 2010, 04:29:40 PM

The Star unit I bought on ebay had a die and top punch in it. New I think they come without. Dies and top punches are purchased separately.

The air unit would depend on volume. I've never needed one.

Check around for used units before you plunk yer money on the mahogany for a new one.

DD-DLoS

Dalton Masterson · January 15, 2010, 04:39:54 PM

Anything I need to look for on a used one? Anything that wears out?
I have seen a used one on Ebay for 200, but didnt bid as I wasnt sure if it was good.
DM

Dick Dastardly · January 15, 2010, 08:42:02 PM

Howdy Dalton,

Contact the seller and ask condition questions. Also, ask for a period certain for return if you are dissatisfied. Ebay is pretty strict about sellers misrepresenting their items. Use a credit card, not Pay Pal. Pay Pal is a PITA if you have to recover funds.

Also, used shouldn't me abused. Ask questions. If you don't like the answers, don't bid.

Good luck,

DD-DLoS

Springfield Slim · January 15, 2010, 09:05:08 PM

It's difficult but not impossible to wear out a Star. If it looks good in the e-bay pic than it probably is. I have 2 used ones and a newer Magma version, they all work the same. The air feed is nice if you are going to lube 500 or more in one session, otherwise it is not necessary. Same goes for the bullet feeder. It all depends on whether you have more time or money.

Dalton Masterson · January 15, 2010, 09:39:55 PM

Thanks gents...! Heading to the gun show tomorow, maybe I will happen upon one there, and wont have to worry about the 'bay.
There is a guy with a different brand of big luber he is trying to sell. Cant remember the brand right now. Its a small business size luber, if that makes sense.
Thanks again. DM (oh, btw, DD, I just tried out the ceramic media tonite. Wow. Thats good stuff. Took several years worth of burnished stains out in 2 hours.)

Steel Horse Bailey · January 16, 2010, 12:53:47 AM

$200 for a used one is probably about average, but last I looked, a NEW one was just about $250. Dies are extra and custom made. Be sure and tell them you plan on lubing BigLube boolits, as they will ask you for measurements to the middle of the grease groove. They're top-shelf stuff, but a lifetime investment. I'd pay for one in a heartbeat ... if I could.

Fairshake · January 19, 2010, 02:29:57 PM

The Star machine does not really have what you call a top punch that is used in the RCBS, LYMAN, and SAECO presses. They all have several top punches that are needed to fit the top of each bullet that you lube. Star's size and lube from the base and therefore you can almost get by with two punches. They don't have to fit the base all the way across unless you are seating GC's. The new Stars come with what they call a universal punch and it will do most calibers. The dies are the same as any others in that you buy them by size and lube holes needed. Go to the CAST BOOLITS forum and look for a member by the name of Lathesmith. He makes the Star dies that are better than factory. He and I got together and designed a die for the Big Lube bullets which has the lube holes lined up to fill the lube grooves with out any problem. The air cylinder is a blessing as far as I 'm concerned and I have one on both of my sizers. You can run one on a air cylinder and you don't need the compressor. You are not using air but just the pressure. I have a 7 gal cylinder that has been lubing bullets for three months now without a refill. If you live in a colder climate the air will help all so.

Pitmaster · January 19, 2010, 03:22:46 PM

Quote from: Fairshake on January 19, 2010, 02:29:57 PM
Go to the CAST BOOLITS forum and look for a member by the name of Lathesmith. He makes the Star dies that are better than factory. He and I got together and designed a die for the Big Lube bullets which has the lube holes lined up to fill the lube grooves with out any problem.

I'll vouch for Lathesmith's work and dies. I have 5 of them for my Star. I'll also vouch for the Big Lube die. I just sized a couple hundred Big Lube .44s a few days ago with no problems.