Feeding boolits to your Star or Ballisti-Cast Mk VI?

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Okay, I've heard where folks have used these little turrets with four boolit tubes to feed boolits to their Star/Mark VI. In the past I've seen tubes with pins used to load up batches of boolits, then dump them in as one goes. I've also heard of collaters being used, just like on a progressive reloader.

So please bring out the pics of the solution you came up with to load up more boolits ready to be sized/lubed than just using what is available from Magma and Ballistic-Cast. Please show how you adapted and and list the materials.

Let's get together a "what options, "how to," and "where to get" thread going. Nothing like a pile of ideas to save folks money and enhance their casting/luber-sizing/reloading. [smilie=w::Bright idea::Luvcastboolits:

Thank you,

Dave

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

42 views and not a single post? Come on gents, I know you got pics and stories to tell.

[rodsvet]

I just feed mine to the top of the tube of the bullet feeder. Works fine, no tubes to fill, no collator to set up. Can do 800 - 900 per hour easily. No pinched fingers either! If ever a collator comes along at a reasonable price that actually works nose down, I'll be interested. Rod

[ssnow]

42 views and not a single post? Come on gents, I know you got pics and stories to tell.

Yeah, I got a story to tell, but it's not one that will save you money:) I'm feeding my sizer with a MA systems collator......It's great, but it's not cheap :) Actually, I recently bought the commercial sizer, and use the collator for that machine.

For the hand sizer, I was just using some lengths of PEX pipe. (Hey, it works and its what I had on hand.) But there is no reason you couldn't use a collator if you find a deal or can make one.

[LAH]

Dave when selling bullets I used a feeder because I wanted my left hand free to catch the bullets as they came from the sizer. This way I could let them roll in my hand to be sure the lube groove was completely filled. I fed the feeder with water line cut to hold 30-34 Keith bullets, that's about all the return spring could handle. I stood the tubes up leaning against my bench & filled them adding a lubed bullet 'bout every 7th one. The pin held the bullets in the tube till placed on the feeder. I probably have 10 tubes. This is what worked for me. Now that I'm retired I'll probably sell the 2 feeders I have & simply feed them by hand & let them drop into a box since I don't have any picky customers to please.

Here's how I did it.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture440.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture440.jpg.html)

The feeder
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture441.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture441.jpg.html)

Bullet in die
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture446.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture446.jpg.html)

Tube in top of feeder
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture452.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture452.jpg.html)

[LAH]

If you want to get serious you can go all out.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture497.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture497.jpg.html)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture493.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture493.jpg.html)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture495.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture495.jpg.html)
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture494.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture494.jpg.html)

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I just feed mine to the top of the tube of the bullet feeder. Works fine, no tubes to fill, no collator to set up. Can do 800 - 900 per hour easily. No pinched fingers either! If ever a collator comes along at a reasonable price that actually works nose down, I'll be interested. Rod

I'm looking at everything from what you're doing to a full blown collator, either home made or store bought. I'd feed by hand like you're doing, but my psoriasis is creating a condition/pain similar to arthritis in my joints, so to avoid some pain I'm looking at all my options.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

ssnow, in red in the quote, per my usual:


Yeah, I got a story to tell, but it's not one that will save you money:) Since when is shooting and reloading about saving money? I've not saved a dime yet, just shot more and better.:) I'm feeding my sizer with a MA systems collator......It's great, but it's not cheap :) Actually, I recently bought the commercial sizer, and use the collator for that machine. I'd like to do that, but can't justify the price at the volumes I'm doing.

For the hand sizer, I was just using some lengths of PEX pipe. (Hey, it works and its what I had on hand.) Okay, I'm ignorant. What is PEX pipe and where do you get it? Any sizer recommendations?But there is no reason you couldn't use a collator if you find a deal or can make one. That is my goal, but I'm not quite mechanical enough to do so without some help related to the design. Though I'm seriously thinking about hitting Jmorris up for some more information about his setups and see if he'll help me copy.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

LAH, in red in the quote:


Dave when selling bullets I used a feeder because I wanted my left hand free to catch the bullets as they came from the sizer. This way I could let them roll in my hand to be sure the lube groove was completely filled. A very good practice. I fed the feeder with water line cut to hold 30-34 Keith bullets, that's about all the return spring could handle. You're talking about the return spring on the Star feeder mechanism, yes? What size tubes and where did you get them? I stood the tubes up leaning against my bench Simple, handy and effective, I like that.& filled them adding a lubed bullet 'bout every 7th one. Keep things running smoother and easier, yes? The pin held the bullets in the tube till placed on the feeder. I probably have 10 tubes. Could you provide pipe diameters, in and out and where you got the plastic pipe?This is what worked for me. Now that I'm retired I'll probably sell the 2 feeders I have & simply feed them by hand & let them drop into a box since I don't have any picky customers to please. I'm smiling and laughing on that one and completely understand what you're saying.:)

Thank you for the pics, helps a lot to be able to see.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

If you want to get serious you can go all out.

Wow, now that is a serious collator. I betcha it wasn't cheap.

[KYCaster]

The Star bullet feeder accepts 1/2" nominal copper tube (5/8" OD).

1/2" CPVC (Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride) and 1/2" PEX (Cross oriented PolyEthylene) will also work.

Although your particular situation may not allow you to do it; I found that I could feed boolits by hand directly into the sizing die much faster than using the optional bullet feeder.

Jerry

P.S. I never had a serious mishap, but I did trim my thumb nail with the punch on one occasion.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

The Star bullet feeder accepts 1/2" nominal copper tube (5/8" OD).

1/2" CPVC (Chlorinated PolyVinyl Chloride) and 1/2" PEX (Cross oriented PolyEthylene) will also work. This the outer diameter on several sizes with the same inner diameter?

Although your particular situation may not allow you to do it; I found that I could feed boolits by hand directly into the sizing die much faster than using the optional bullet feeder.

Jerry

P.S. I never had a serious mishap, but I did trim my thumb nail with the punch on one occasion. This is another reason. A few millimeters difference and you might be missing a much bigger chunk of your finger/thumb.Thank you for the information.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Now you guys with Ballisti-Cast MK VI's, time to step up as well. This thread is about both and finding all the good solutions.

[LAH]

Wow, now that is a serious collator. I betcha it wasn't cheap.

http://m-asystems.com/

[KYCaster]

Dave, 1/2" copper tube, 1/2" CPVC and 1/2" PEX all have the same 5/8" OD, but the ID is not the same. All will accept a .454 dia. boolit.

Jerry

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Dave, 1/2" copper tube, 1/2" CPVC and 1/2" PEX all have the same 5/8" OD, but the ID is not the same. All will accept a .454 dia. boolit.

Jerry

So that solves .45 calibers, what about 38/357 and smaller?

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

http://m-asystems.com/

I notice they don't list prices on their website nor a way to order online. If you are wanting to order online, you aren't in the right price bracket to be their customer.

[Springfield]

Just go to Tap plastics and buy some clear plastic tubes, kinda like LAH did except they are probably cheaper and you can see through them. Drill a hole and put a clip in them. Then fill them up while watching TV or babysitting or something. You can inspect them while filling and again while sizing as the tubes are clear. I put all my bullets into styro trays so I need my left hand free, one reason I don't have a B/C sizer and why I need bullet feeders.

[kayak1]

I notice they don't list prices on their website nor a way to order online. If you are wanting to order online, you aren't in the right price bracket to be their customer.
Magma will sell you one. I have a mr bullet feeder, i am currently using it to fill tubes. You will find another thread with the part numbers for cheep clear plastic aquarium tubes from linens and things (free shipping too). He should be shipping a nose down adaptor soon. Once a get that my star will be able to really run on its own. (You will find a few great threads on how to automate the ).

Good luck with your star type sizer.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Magma will sell you one. I have a mr bullet feeder, i am currently using it to fill tubes. You will find another thread with the part numbers for cheep clear plastic aquarium tubes from linens and things (free shipping too). I remembered that thread from years back and found it, but the link no longer works and for the life of me, I can't find the plastic tubes on their website, not even the aquariums. I guess I don't think enough like a woman.:/ He should be shipping a nose down adaptor soon. Once a get that my star will be able to really run on its own. (You will find a few great threads on how to automate the ).

Good luck with your star type sizer. I don't think the Ballisti-Cast is anything like the Star in design, except it uses the same dies. That said, It wouldn't be real hard to automate it using air for the operating handle and wheel. Just have to notch the thumb wheels and tip the air cylinder rod with something that'll interact. Wouldn't be real hard to do for the guys that do that kinda thing. My volume doesn't demand that high an operation, so I'll stick with it as is.

Do you perchance know how to find your way around the Linens and Things website and can get a new link?

[kayak1]

Looks like I should have ordered more when I did, it's no longer stocked.
This was from my order of 9/12/2013:

1. Lees Thinwall Rigid Tubing - Clear: : 7/16" OD x 36" Long Sku: S16020
URL: http://www.lnt.com/show_product/507393
SKU: 507393-16020-S16020
Quantity: 1

2. Lees Thinwall Rigid Tubing - Clear: : 1/2" OD x 36" Long Sku: S16025
URL: http://www.lnt.com/show_product/507394
SKU: 507394-16025-S16025
Quantity: 5

[kayak1]

Looks like I should have ordered more when I did, it's no longer stocked.
This was from my order of 9/12/2013:

1. Lees Thinwall Rigid Tubing - Clear: : 7/16" OD x 36" Long Sku: S16020
URL: http://www.lnt.com/show_product/507393
SKU: 507393-16020-S16020
Quantity: 1

2. Lees Thinwall Rigid Tubing - Clear: : 1/2" OD x 36" Long Sku: S16025
URL: http://www.lnt.com/show_product/507394
SKU: 507394-16025-S16025
Quantity: 5

If you google the part you will find it being sold by other location, one might even be local to you. The 1/2"OD ones are great for 38 and 9MM, I wouldn't order the 7/16" one again, it's only strong enough if you put it inside the 1/2, when you do that it's just fine.

[LAH]

Originally Posted by LAH
Dave when selling bullets I used a feeder because I wanted my left hand free to catch the bullets as they came from the sizer. This way I could let them roll in my hand to be sure the lube groove was completely filled. A very good practice. I fed the feeder with water line cut to hold 30-34 Keith bullets, that's about all the return spring could handle. You're talking about the return spring on the Star feeder mechanism, yes? What size tubes and where did you get them? I stood the tubes up leaning against my bench Simple, handy and effective, I like that.& filled them adding a lubed bullet 'bout every 7th one. Keep things running smoother and easier, yes? The pin held the bullets in the tube till placed on the feeder. I probably have 10 tubes. Could you provide pipe diameters, in and out and where you got the plastic pipe?This is what worked for me. Now that I'm retired I'll probably sell the 2 feeders I have & simply feed them by hand & let them drop into a box since I don't have any picky customers to please. I'm smiling and laughing on that one and completely understand what you're saying.



Q: You're talking about the return spring on the Star feeder mechanism, yes?
A: YES

Q: What size tubes and where did you get them?
A: Standard ½” PVC water line from Lowes.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_23966-1814-PVC+04005++0600_4294822019__?productId=3133079&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=

Q: Keep things running smoother and easier, yes?
A:Yes if you send a lubed bullet through the die now & then it lubes the upper part of the die making things go much smoother. You will know how often by the amount of pressure sizing requires.

Q: Could you provide pipe diameters, in and out and where you got the plastic pipe?
A: Again just standard PVC ½” water line from Lowes. This size if perfect for 41, 44 & 45. It is a little large for 32 & 38 but will work without trouble.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the information. It's enough to get going on for sure. Still want to see those home made collators and automaters as well.:)

[jmorris]

Post 10 and 11 here shows what I use now and the jigs I made to make the feed plates.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?232791-Mr-Bullet-feeder-for-star


The first one I built after I learned that the MA Systems collator (yellow one posted above) cost over $1000. Also that they noted that their collator was not 100% stating inverted rates of short/fat bullets like a 45 acp could be as high as 1:100.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/feeder4.jpg

Never could get it to work 100% either so I added a cull device to drop inverted bullets out before they made it to the machine. The ogive being smaller would not trigger the whisker switch and fall into the feed tube. A base up bullet would hit the switch, opening up a trap door and dropping the inverted bullet down the aluminum tube before it could enter the machine. Worked every time all the time.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/feeder2.jpg

No videos of it in operation in its intended use but here is one of it sorting 380 from 9mm, so you can see how it works.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/brass/th_9mm380.jpg (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/brass/9mm380.mp4)

[angus6]

[QUOTE=LAH;2762289]If you want to get serious you can go all out.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h244/Creekerpics/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture497.jpg (http://s66.photobucket.com/user/Creekerpics/media/Loading%20Room%20101/Casting%20Equipment/Picture497.jpg.html)

QUOTE]

LAH , what's the air set up to the left of the bullet punch jib ? I've got the second unit Magma made and it doesen't have that

[LAH]

That is a little rocker switch. This machine belongs to a friend of mine & is a Ballisti-Cast. And for the life of me I can't quite remember it's function. Perhaps someone will jump in here & help me out.

[ssnow]

It is the air switch for automatic lubing. The machine pumps a small amount of lube with every stroke of the punch. The punch is retracted in that photo, but as it comes down the punch housing will contact the small roller on the side of the switch to activate it.

[LAH]

Thank you Sir.

[kayak1]

Post 10 and 11 here shows what I use now and the jigs I made to make the feed plates.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?232791-Mr-Bullet-feeder-for-star


The first one I built after I learned that the MA Systems collator (yellow one posted above) cost over $1000. Also that they noted that their collator was not 100% stating inverted rates of short/fat bullets like a 45 acp could be as high as 1:100.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/feeder4.jpg

Never could get it to work 100% either so I added a cull device to drop inverted bullets out before they made it to the machine. The ogive being smaller would not trigger the whisker switch and fall into the feed tube. A base up bullet would hit the switch, opening up a trap door and dropping the inverted bullet down the aluminum tube before it could enter the machine. Worked every time all the time.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/feeder2.jpg

No videos of it in operation in its intended use but here is one of it sorting 380 from 9mm, so you can see how it works.
http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/brass/th_9mm380.jpg (http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o213/jmorrismetal/reloading/brass/9mm380.mp4)

Could you post a picture with the white wheel removed (if it removes easily)? I would like to see how you setup the drop floor.

[jmorris]

The first photo is with the trap door closed so the part can pass over the "cull" hole and make it around to the "feed" hole, you should be able to make out the marks they left from use.

The 2nd photo I have it pulled open to the "cull" position.

Note the delay off relay. It is set so the "door" will remain open long enough that the "bad" bullet can make it to the cull hole but will close before a "good" bullet can make it there.

Also worth noting that the Tyvar "slide" is machined down at the edges so they are just below the top of the aluminum part and extend under the steel part so it can never hit the edge when all the way open.

So you have a 1/4" plastic part that rides in an 1/8" groove in the aluminum and also locate in a groove in the 1/8" steel top plate. This makes the trap door flush with the surface when closed.

One more thing, in the attached photos the input feed tube is rotated away, so I could remove the wheel; however, if you mount it that way you can rotate it to align with the holes in the wheel. Instead of making everything precision, make it adjustable.

[Norseman]

I just took a Lee case feeder (for Pro 1000 or Loadmaster) for small cases (the one with an aluminium funnel), popped out the aluminium funnel and chucked it in the cordless drill and used emery cloth on it until it fitted snugly in the fullet feeder from Star:

110681

I now can inspect the bullets as I feed them into the tubes and avoid punching a hole in my left index finger (have been a close shave some times :-)


Regards,
Norseman

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I just took a Lee case feeder (for Pro 1000 or Loadmaster) for small cases (the one with an aluminium funnel), popped out the aluminium funnel and chucked it in the cordless drill and used emery cloth on it until it fitted snugly in the fullet feeder from Star:

I now can inspect the bullets as I feed them into the tubes and avoid punching a hole in my left index finger (have been a close shave some times :-)


Regards,
Norseman

Sometimes simple is very, very good I really hate the Ballistic Cast feeder tube and am working on replacing it. I think I'm going to copy your idea to increase convenience immediately, then upgrade to a better feeder system in the future. Right now I'm buried creating a war chest for the wife's soon to start sod business.:/

[jmorris]

Did you ever put the Lee turret tubes to use that I sent you?

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Did you ever put the Lee turret tubes to use that I sent you?

I haven't yet, been too busy helping my wife start a business. I've got it here and that's the one I'm going to use, just need to pick up tubes for it. I was looking for the tubes when she informed me her boss was running his business into the ground and she'd need a job soon.:(