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Bullet Molds - Stephen Borud - 05-17-2013
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
RE: Bullet Molds - Don McDowell - 05-17-2013
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.
RE: Bullet Molds - Rick Mulhern - 05-17-2013
Nothing ventured.....nothing gained!!
If you've got the equipment and knowledge......why not??
RE: Bullet Molds - Stephen Borud - 05-17-2013
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??
RE: Bullet Molds - Don McDowell - 05-18-2013
If you decide to try some moulds let me know how much for 1.1 inch x .434 .
RE: Bullet Molds - Ironramrod - 05-18-2013
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
RE: Bullet Molds - Stephen Borud - 05-18-2013
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
RE: Bullet Molds - Stephen Borud - 06-21-2013
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
RE: Bullet Molds - Lumpy Grits - 06-22-2013
Go for it!
I for one, much prefere iron blocks for my moulds.
Very best of luck to you
Gary
RE: Bullet Molds - Dave Roelle - 06-22-2013
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