May 1934 issue of The American Rifleman: The Star Progressive Reloading Machine by F.

[Hangingrock]

May 1934 issue of The American Rifleman: The Star Progressive Reloading Machine by F.C. Ness.

Seventy six years ago a progressive reloading machine 16” in height excluding the handle with a 9” circular base plate. A five station unit performing multiple operations (decapping, sizing, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping) on a single down stroke.

The author of the article had apparently no problem obtaining a production rate of 400 per hour and readily believed reports of production rates of 500-600 per hour by one person. The Star progressive as tested was set up for 38Spl, wadcutter, and one particular powder with specified charge weight.

The author theorized that two individuals in unison could obtain a production rate of 1000 per hour (3.6 seconds per round).

Not as versatile/adaptable for rifle and pistol cartridge loading as today’s progressive but for its time a major advancement.

 

[LiveLife]

Here's some pictures. Dang, looking at the press, no complaints about my Pro 1000 ... wow.

 

[loadedround]

Back when I first started shooting Bullseye in the early '60's the Star was the Cadillac of reloaders that most of us couldn't afford. A few of our shooters did have them in 38 Spl and 45 ACP and were the envy of the club. Me, I loaded on a Tru-Line Jr and was happy as sin with it then. At the same time I was lubing my cases with Lanolin because it was so cheap. What a PIA it was to wipe off...but what did I know then.

 

[Hangingrock]

For those whom have interest in the subject of Star reloaders:
http://www.starreloaders.com/forum/index.php

 

[chrisgo]

I had 2 of them one in .38 and one in .45. They were built like tanks and weighed a ton. Not a speck of plastic on them. Everything on them was precision fit, like it was made by a toolmaker. All the components were doweled together and it worked smooth as silk. I ended up selling them last year for 6 times what I paid for them 100.00 each sold for 600.00 each. I still like my dillons for speed though.