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Thread: Second question: Star or Magma manufacture?

  1. #1
    Boolit Mold
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    Nov 2010
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    Eagle River, Alaska
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    Second question: Star or Magma manufacture?

    Is there a significant difference in the build by the original Star company or have improvements been made to the newest manufactured machines that are worth buying? I have an opportunity to buy an original Star machine that is in good shape but am not pressed to own one "right now". Thoughts?

  2. #2
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    JonB_in_Glencoe's Avatar
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    I don't think you could tell the difference, mechanically.
    FYI, if you happen to want a new one from Magma, they have quite a long waiting list.
    Used Stars in excellent shape use to go for the same price as new, but since the PC fad is in full swing, it seems the used Star market isn't what it once was, I am seeing $200 Stars fairly often.
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    “If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun.”
    ― The Dalai Lama, Seattle Times, May 2001

  3. #3
    Boolit Mold
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    Nov 2010
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    Eagle River, Alaska
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    Yes, I spoke with Magma this morning and they are backordered 1000 units and lost an employee so there are only 2 building new machines. They aren't accepting backorders for at least another two months. Thanks for your thoughts on new or old.

  4. #4
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    I own both brands and they're basically the same. The original was such a good design, Magma didn't feel the need to do much changing, other than the Hycar washer and using an O-ring for the sizing die. They did make the "shovel" handle available, which Star never did, but I've converted all of my Star/Magma sizers to roller handles, which are a big improvement, especially for large runs.

    Hope this helps.

    Fred
    After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. - William S. Burroughs.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check