Bullet Molds

[Stephen Borud]

I have often thought about building bullet molds as a side project and maybe turn it into a full time job! What are your guys thoughts on this! What I am really interested in is to duplicate the original Sharps molds and even the original reloading tools, do you all think there is a market for it! As some of you know I am especially interested in original chambers and pp bullet designs! Your thoughts would be most valuable!

Stephen

[Don McDowell]

Yes I think there's always a market for a good quality mould, and the more folks get to understand just how well those original Sharps designs work, the more they get to looking for them.
I also think there would be demand for a set of original loading tools.

[Rick Mulhern]

Nothing ventured.....nothing gained!!

If you've got the equipment and knowledge......why not??

[Stephen Borud]

Thanks Rick and Don for your advise! If I were to build molds I think I would focus on PP molds more than anything! As far as the original reloading tools I would have to figure a way to build them so they were cost effective! I have built them with my tools but its time consuming! Anyone want to invest in a CNC Lathe and Mill??

[Don McDowell]

If you decide to try some moulds let me know how much for 1.1 inch x .434 .

[Ironramrod]

I say give it a good run, and see how it turns out. Start small, draw out and study pictures of your ideas, and control the overhead; there's always a demand for 1st rate quality products at fair prices. Every business (small or large) always starts at the beginning, and that would be "square #1."

Go for it!

Regards
IR

[Stephen Borud]

I will hook you up Don when I get there!

Iron, thanks for the encouraging words! Since I was a small boy I always have had a desire to build and figure out how others build things, I personally appreciate craftsmanship of any kind! I'm a mechanical supervisor and for the last 18 years have rebuilt or built new oilfield equipment! I have a few more years of this in me but I sense a calling to do something else down the road that has a lot less stress and some sort of schedule! The oilfield never stops and after awhile it takes a toll on the mind and body! I do have the responsibility to provide for my wife and 4 sons and the oilfield has done that for me! I need to start something on the side soon and by doing good work it should grow!

Stephen

[Stephen Borud]

Started on a set of aluminum blocks tonight! My plan is to build a 50 cal .494 473 grain PP mold and cast the heck out of it. I chose aluminum for my first mold because its easy to machine, I don't plan on using it later on. A friend showed me some parts he built out of aluminum that is hardened. He said after hardening it wears real nice. I don't particularly like aluminum, but I might get a mold hardened to see how well it works. After I get the mold blocks built I have a friend that will cut the cavity on his CNC mill. We shall see how it works. If the 50 works well then a 45 PP mold will be in order.

Stephen

[Lumpy Grits]

Go for it!
I for one, much prefere iron blocks for my moulds.
Very best of luck to you
Gary

[Dave Roelle]

Materials are pretty easy to aquire in the sizes needed for BPCR molds---------so that hurdle is easy

just guessing materials 25/30% of total cost

squaring up and settin pins and pivot holes probably 70% of labor cost

sprue plate perhaps 20% of labor cost


cavity tools perhaps 2 or 3% they will spread over many molds

cutting the actual cavity CNC mill----------perhaps 10% of the labor cost

the competition builds quality molds for say $140

should be pretty easy to see if there is a business here

i'm guessing that "the other guy's" are spreading their capitol machine costs over work other than molds-

finally "labors of love" need only satisfy the owner concerning raw profits

have fun Stephan----the learning is the fun part

Dave