Spolar recommends with the new dies you change the base plate of the machine as well. That requires taking the whole machine apart. Without the updated base plate the shells can get stuck in the dies. Your experience may vary.

 

Since most Spolars leave with the 12 gauge heads, it may be challenging to find one. I was lucky enough to get one when a fellow shooter had a second press and set it up for sub gauge. I got the tighter dies due to loading a bunch of Gun Club hulls and switched back to the black ones. I got them when they first came out and Cole was not recommending any additional changes needed to use them. Didn't really need them & brass bases don't really need them at all. The magnetic shell holder is a very handy upgrade.

 

Do yourself a favor and get the newer Spolar
"shovel" handle. It's a thousand times more comfortable than the ball handle...and the leverage is much better.

 

As far as upgrades, I would start with the magnetic shell seating head, and the updated primer cup are a must! They are not very expensive and an easy install. Try the ergonomic/roller handle from inline fabrication. Half the price of the Spolar handle. Also, once you familiarize yourself with the machine, whatever power drive you have, use it. No sense in wearing out your rotator cuff/shoulder!!

 

Depends if you going to load 12's a head & dies are a must. Cant imagine new blacks would be available so youll probably get the new tighter dies. No big deal there & you definitely dont need to change the base plate, the original will work just fine. Must haves are the new primer parts, the shaft, guide & cup. For convenience the LED light, it makes a huge difference. Forgot to mention the Magnetic shell holder if your machine doesn't already have one & the updated Cheddite friendly primer tray.
If you haven't used a Spolar load a box or two manually to get familiar then if its functional fire up the Hydro. Don't waste your time pulling a handle. Another purchase Id recommend is Spolar's service kit most common replacement parts there when you break something. I owned #1321 sold it in 2021 to buy #3393 a previously owned machine about two years old but new unused in it box. I've run them both with original dies & only the upgrades I mentioned happily & without issue. You're going to love this loader, good luck.
PS
A word on charge bars, I use the Spolar bar, it accommodates both the Hornady bushings the popular 3D printed bushings (which are Hornady style) & with an available bushing adapter you can utilize MEC bushings without changing bars. I purchased my adapter on ebay & have seen them for sale at Ballistic Products. I find myself using any of the three on any given day whichever brings me closest to my preferred drop weight. Adapter pic attached.

 

To add to sacky07's post, the new shot drop funnel has eliminated occasional shot bridging on my machine. Also recommedend the delrin charge bar that accepts Mac powder bushings that Jim Skeel sells. Having bought machine #477 used years ago those are the only changes made and it runs flawlessly with everything I put in it.

 

Interesting on the shot drop funnel. I didn't know that an update existed. Been battling shot bridging the past couple weekends loading 1oz of 8's. I thought it was the old shot I was using having a build up

 

My Delrin charge bar runs smoother and does not wear the housing like the Spolar aluminum bar does. Delrin is a bearing material. Aluminum on aluminum is not a bearing. The weight of each reservoir and its contents rides on the bar. The Delrin bar will prevent wear, seal better and run smoother.

 

My Delrin charge bar runs smoother and does not wear the housing like the Spolar aluminum bar does. Delrin is a bearing material. Aluminum on aluminum is not a bearing. The weight of each reservoir and its contents rides on the bar. The Delrin bar will prevent wear, seal better and run smoother.

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I will be talking to you soon Jim
Steve

 

I recommend Jim’s bar for an upgrade

 

Thanks all for your input.
Want to just get up and running, get a feel for the machine, and then go from there.

Current shopping list:
Spare Parts List
Charge Bar Cam Roller Detent Pin 1/4*1(Black Ring) F141DP-2510
Charge Bar Cam Roller 2510
Primer Tray Lid Detent Pin 1/4*3/4" F1434DP-2604
Primer Tray Pin Spacer 2607
Primer Cup 2615
Washer Seal V2505-06
Wad Guide Fingers (appropriate to gauge) Have from 366
Lube Swab (appropriate to gauge) Have

Gauge Change Assembly 12 950
New Style Press Plate 225 (maybe, I'll see what Spolar says)
New Style Primer Block Sleeve $45.00
Gauge Change Caddy 100
New Primer Cup and Bolt 32
Power Load Handle (lost or never was there)

 

I bought my Spolar used and it had the 12 gauge die set on it. I've had zero troubles with loading any brand whether brass or steel heads fitting into any of my 12 gauge shotguns. I did buy the subgauge heads all with the new sizing dies and they work well in all three gauges for me.

 

You don't need the new 12ga. dies unless you're going to be reloading junk steel base hulls.

 

I don't even need them for those hulls and I've loaded plenty of the steel base hulls.

 

In my earlier post I made some convenience recommendations for you BUT because you have an earlier loader you may find yourself eventually breaking a roller or a spring as you go. Get a maintenance kit consider it a spare tire. Your gonna need 12G dies if your planning on loading 12s & id bet the new dies are what's most likely in stock. You may not have a choice, friends have then & like them just fine. The Guys at Spolar will set them up for whatever hull you prefer at least they used to.
Those new dies were developed for the cowboy action shooters using replica SXS's & experiencing ejection issues. The new dies have been made standard on new machines.
These loaders are built well & built to last. The man that directed me to Carter Spolar owns one in the two digit range. He only loads 12's & as far as I know the only things he upgraded were the primer cup & Magnetic shell holder.
LOL Find your footing before you start redecorating. I have a PDF manual I've been passing around on TS let me know if you want a copy.
Feel free to PM me if I can help in any way.

 

Picked up #1943 with 28 and 410 gauge conversions. Also came with PW Hydro multi speed drive.

I need a 12 gauge conversion. Should I buy a new one with the new style dies or horse trade one of the other conversions for 12 ga?
I‘m thinking of running it for awhile before I do any of the other upgrades.

Of course this post would be worthless without pictures.

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Congrats on your Spolar. I had one follow me home about 6 months ago with all four gauges and a the spolar hydraulic pump. After having a MEC and a PW for years... I simply can never go back! I would use it for a little while before getting upgrades. This machine, out of the box, is great! I have the 12 gauge with the old dies. My shells fit just fine in every shotgun I have. I don't think everybody needs the new ones... I certainly don't. I reload STS and AACF hulls. I cycled all the steel hulls out of my rotation.

How is the PW hydraulic? Isn't the foot switch on the Spolar hydraulic much better?

 

Absolutely, I dont know what all the hub bub is about. Sometimes I think people just need to pimp the ride.

 

I only have 28 and 410 hence the need for 12.
What’s the going rate for a gauge conversion?

The PW hydro multispeed uses a 3 way proportional mechanical valve. You can control speed and distance, and direction. Will need a mount or bracket to hold it in place.

What does the Spolar use for a valve?

 

You also will "need" Jim's pyrex powder reservoir. The OEM go bad at the place where they mate up with the funnel. Jim will have you send him your funnel and he will return it with the Pyrex reservoir attached.

 

Turn around time on the conversion is just one business day. The Pyrex reservoirs are the same size as the Spolar OEM reservoirs. The Pyrex tubes are attached with epoxy. Pyrex Conversion

 

Sadness… 4-6 weeks for my order from Spolar.
They didn’t recommend the press plate, I did add the mag shell holder to my list.
Found out Bob Snow of York Maine bought it in 2006.
Multi conversions but no details.
Spolar was surprised that there had never been any follow on orders for parts, think it’s been lightly used.

Anticipation……

 

Maniac
Was the main delay the 12 g head ?

 

Didn’t ask, did chide him saying I’d just have to keep using my Dillon while I waited.