Hurricane Deck 100366 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Is it worth the cost of the magma star to lube/size hand cast bullets for cowboy ammo? I cast my own using Lee molds. they typically drop right at .358 with my alloy recipe so I've been just tumble lube with a hybrid alox concoction and loading without sizing. I have zero leading issues and cleaning is usually a snap, but I'm not a fan of the ugliness that is usually left on the exposed portion of the bullets that is left from the tumble lube process. So at this point I'm looking at trying other methods of lubing. The way I see it I have two choice. I can powder coat or I can go more traditional and get a Magma sizer. I don't really want to go with the slower lyman type sizers as I typically lube a couple thousand bullets at a sitting and it's just too slow. I'm leaning towards the star sizer cause lets face it... I like new toys. BUT: is it really worth the cost for the star sizer/luber just to make cowboy ammo? Is there a less expensive option that has an auto-bullet feeder like the Magma sizer that I am not thinking of? In order to Powder Coat, I'd have to invest in all the hardware (oven, gun etc.. everything but the compressor) and I'd end up spending about the same amount, but it seems like it would be more involved and thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty Shackleford Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 I just switched from pan lubing to a star sizer. I will not go back. It is very fast. I have mine set up where the sized and lubed bullets drop directly into plastic tubes that I then use to feed my Hornady bullet feed die. Dropping the bullet into the sizing die is the only time I touch them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandhills Writer #35598 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 I cast all my handgun bullets, 9 mm, 45 acp, 45 Colt, 45 Sharps rifle. The Star lube/sizer if one of the best loading investments I have made. It is super fast, and does a great job. Be sure and get the lube heater, you will end up getting it at some time anyway. Also the spade handle is a good investment. You will not believe how fast you can lube bullets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Slim SASS #24733 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 The Star is the best way to size in volume. But if you only do one caliber and are just looking o make your bullets look better, I think just using less tumble lube would be much easier. Only you know if the better looking bullets is worth the 350 bucks the Star will cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blastmaster Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Hurricane Deck Sounds like you have got it sorted out as far as options. Stick with what you are doing which is working fine, or spend money on Star lube-sizer (new toy) to make your bullets pretty. Sounds like you want a new toy (not a bad thing) and financial analysis has nothing to do with 'want'..If Star luber puts a smile on your face, then go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairshake Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 I have owned and used Stars since 1971. They are the top of the line and the easy way to do your lubing on a large scale at a fast speed. I also hand lube my large bore 45-70 rounds and although time consuming, it's a fun part of the hobby. If you have a heavy load and want things done fast, and correctly, then the Star is it. The Star machine does your bullets more concentric than either the RCBS or Lyman presses. I've had as many as three set up at once for different lubes and bullets. I have a extra one at this time if you are interested, contact me @ dshultz47@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurricane Deck 100366 Posted April 29, 2016 Author Share Posted April 29, 2016 I have owned and used Stars since 1971. They are the top of the line and the easy way to do your lubing on a large scale at a fast speed. I also hand lube my large bore 45-70 rounds and although time consuming, it's a fun part of the hobby. If you have a heavy load and want things done fast, and correctly, then the Star is it. The Star machine does your bullets more concentric than either the RCBS or Lyman presses. I've had as many as three set up at once for different lubes and bullets. I have a extra one at this time if you are interested, contact me @ dshultz47@gmail.com Sent ya an email. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Singin' Sue 71615 Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 We use one!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Bill Mathewson, 37826 Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 I decided to buy a Starr after watching YouTube videos of Lyman, RCBS and Starr Lube Sizers in action. I hadn't and still haven't used anything but the Starr but I am happy with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sagebrush Burns, SASS # 14226 Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 The Star is to other lube/sizers as a Dillon to a single stage press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHOOTIN FOX Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 Deck, I have one setup and I have the dies for 38 if you want to try it. Send me a PM lwith phone number . Fox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Runamuck, SASS #49216L Posted April 30, 2016 Share Posted April 30, 2016 Once you use it you will never regret buying it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trailboss (Santa) Dave Posted May 1, 2016 Share Posted May 1, 2016 I have used the Star for years The only thing faster outside of an auto sizer and collator is shooting as cast with a good liquid lube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cypress Sam, SASS #10915 Posted May 1, 2016 Share Posted May 1, 2016 The Star is a great machine. But whether it's worth it or not is up to you. I've used one for about 15 years. I've also got a Lyman that I use for some of the bullets that I don't shoot very much - no comparison! Thanks Rusty Shackleford for a great suggestion. Now I may just have to look at bullet feeders! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurricane Deck 100366 Posted May 3, 2016 Author Share Posted May 3, 2016 Well, I found a good deal on Armslist and pulled the trigger. PIcked up a Magma Star lube sizer with three sizers, bullet feeder setup, heater, shovel handle, air cylinder for feeding lube, two inline air line dryers, two regulators (one spare), a PID for temp control and two different bullet punches and 6 sticks of blue lube, and some other misc reloading stuff (case guages, a set of go/no go gauges for 308 etc . . .) for $400. I had to order the 358 sizer die a caliber conversion from Magma. All told I think I did pretty good. We'll see when it gets here. Now I need a little pancake compressor for the reloading room! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jefro, SASS#69420 Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 . All told I think I did pretty good. We'll see when it gets here. Now I need a little pancake compressor for the reloading room! Howdy HD, yep sounds like a good deal. Unless yer doing some super duper high speed volume you won't need the air. It's real easy to keep it adjusted by hand. Good Luck Jefro Relax-Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kajun Posted May 3, 2016 Share Posted May 3, 2016 Well, I found a good deal on Armslist and pulled the trigger. PIcked up a Magma Star lube sizer with three sizers, bullet feeder setup, heater, shovel handle, air cylinder for feeding lube, two inline air line dryers, two regulators (one spare), a PID for temp control and two different bullet punches and 6 sticks of blue lube, and some other misc reloading stuff (case guages, a set of go/no go gauges for 308 etc . . .) for $400. I had to order the 358 sizer die a caliber conversion from Magma. All told I think I did pretty good. We'll see when it gets here. Now I need a little pancake compressor for the reloading room! Here ya go! Kajun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Callaway Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 I've been poly coating my cast bullets and sizing them by pushing them through a Lee sizing die. I mounted the small C press upside down so I can feed the bullets in the top and they push out the bottom. Works same as manual Star. $24 per die set with jar of Lee Alox I stopped using. Takes about two minutes to change calibers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 I'm late to the party...apologies. I cast my own bullets and do not own a lubricator/sizer. I shoot mostly black powder. The bullets are Big Lubes from Dick Dastardly, the .38 Slim 125 grain. I dip them into melted beeswax/Crisco (50-50) up to just above the lube groove, and then load them into the cases on a Dillon 550. Any excess lube is easy to clean out of the dies, but I wipe the bullet before it is crimped at the final station, so there isn't much excess to worry about. I get that big groove full of lube plus a coating on the bottom of the bullet. I do not use a wad in the blackpowder cartridges, just powder and the lubed bullet. I am not a fast reloader, but I don't have squibs. If I were shooting for small groups at long range, then I would invest in a lubricator/sizer. But i'm not. I get a good lube star on my rifle muzzle and do not have problems with leading in either the rifle or cartridge handguns. For those times I shoot smokeless, or load cartridges for my missus and me to use as practice with our concealed carry guns, I lube with Lee Alox. If you can see Alox on the bullet you are probably using too much. I dilute the Alox before tumbling with mineral spirits. You just want to see a slight color change or dulling of the surface on the bullet after the lube has set and dried. If the bullet feels very sticky, you have too much Alox on there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted May 4, 2016 Share Posted May 4, 2016 Is it worth the cost of the magma star to lube/size hand cast bullets for cowboy ammo? I cast my own using Lee molds. they typically drop right at .358 with my alloy recipe so I've been just tumble lube with a hybrid alox concoction and loading without sizing. I have zero leading issues and cleaning is usually a snap, but I'm not a fan of the ugliness that is usually left on the exposed portion of the bullets that is left from the tumble lube process. So at this point I'm looking at trying other methods of lubing. The way I see it I have two choice. I can powder coat or I can go more traditional and get a Magma sizer. I don't really want to go with the slower lyman type sizers as I typically lube a couple thousand bullets at a sitting and it's just too slow. I'm leaning towards the star sizer cause lets face it... I like new toys. BUT: is it really worth the cost for the star sizer/luber just to make cowboy ammo? Is there a less expensive option that has an auto-bullet feeder like the Magma sizer that I am not thinking of? In order to Powder Coat, I'd have to invest in all the hardware (oven, gun etc.. everything but the compressor) and I'd end up spending about the same amount, but it seems like it would be more involved and thoughts? If you are only shooting smokeless, go with Lee's Liquid Alox and put on a thin coat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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