Commercial Quality Loadings
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2008, 2:18 amHi Guys, New here.
I have been loading pistol calibers on a 550B since 1991. I have always be pleased with the quality, speed and accuracy of my new and reloaded cartridges. Lately I have been thinking about starting a commercial reloading business for popular pistol and rifle calibers. What are the opinions from the pro's about the quality, precision of this machine for the "start-up phaze until I can move up to a 650-1050. Iwill mention that I do not yet use the casefeeder attachment.
I am in no way suggesting that I dont have full confidence in the machines ability, just my ability to crank out enough ammo to be cost effective at 600 to 700 rounds per hour.
How about you guys who make these machines? Does anyone you know use the smaller machines to load commercially? Maybe even comments from those that use a particular Dillon machine, and their experiences with using them to earn a living. Also information about the viability of loading rifle cartridges for profit.
Sorry about all the questions but I dont want to mess around and burn out before I get this part figured out.
Thank you for your time.
Jet
Hi Guys, New here.
I have been loading pistol calibers on a 550B since 1991. I have always be pleased with the quality, speed and accuracy of my new and reloaded cartridges. Lately I have been thinking about starting a commercial reloading business for popular pistol and rifle calibers. What are the opinions from the pro's about the quality, precision of this machine for the "start-up phaze until I can move up to a 650-1050. Iwill mention that I do not yet use the casefeeder attachment.
I am in no way suggesting that I dont have full confidence in the machines ability, just my ability to crank out enough ammo to be cost effective at 600 to 700 rounds per hour.
How about you guys who make these machines? Does anyone you know use the smaller machines to load commercially? Maybe even comments from those that use a particular Dillon machine, and their experiences with using them to earn a living. Also information about the viability of loading rifle cartridges for profit.
Sorry about all the questions but I dont want to mess around and burn out before I get this part figured out.
Thank you for your time.
Jet
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2008, 3:38 pmDo you plan to load great quantities of popular calibers, or custom-load match or hunting ammo on demand? For high-volume production, it is difficult to load fast enough on the Rl550B to make a living- 500-600 rounds per hour is a realistic output. For moderate volume the 650 is a good choice, with the case feeder.
Be aware that you will need a Class 6 FFL, liability insurance, and unless you only sell ammo to law enforcement agencies, you will be liable for 10% excise tax on rifle ammo, 11% excise tax on handgun ammo.
Do you plan to load great quantities of popular calibers, or custom-load match or hunting ammo on demand? For high-volume production, it is difficult to load fast enough on the Rl550B to make a living- 500-600 rounds per hour is a realistic output. For moderate volume the 650 is a good choice, with the case feeder.
Be aware that you will need a Class 6 FFL, liability insurance, and unless you only sell ammo to law enforcement agencies, you will be liable for 10% excise tax on rifle ammo, 11% excise tax on handgun ammo.
Quote from Reloader on July 22, 2008, 6:51 pmThank you for your comments. I beleive there is a market for bulk ammo mostly for informal target shooting/plinking. Civilian and Police would be my target groups.
The bulk packs of ammo here locally are of intrest to those who like to save money, (who doesn't). The sporting goods stores cannot keep them in stock. Even Walmart gets hit heavily. I guess what I was thinking about was some competition for the generic "white box" market, for mostly pistol and .223 ammo. Also smaller quantities of self defense/tactical ammunition.
I really wasn't thinking about match quality ammo, but an education on what it takes to make it would be appreciated. What dillon products are capable of this in reasonable smaller quantities, say 5000 rounds a day-rifle?
Yes and Thank you, I was aware of the ATF requirements for filing excise tax as well as proper licenceure and insurance. I guess more than anything I really did not want to have initial outlay of funds, just for a commercial grade automatic loader like the "Ammo Load" made in Lewiston Idaho. Just doing research at this point.
The other issue and reason is secondary. If we eventually have restrictions on the manufacture, either of private or commercial ammunition, only those with a licence and certification may be allowed to buy components.
Please give your opinion on both areas, bulk ammo and match ammo.
Thank you for your speedy reply, you guys are great!
Thank you for your comments. I beleive there is a market for bulk ammo mostly for informal target shooting/plinking. Civilian and Police would be my target groups.
The bulk packs of ammo here locally are of intrest to those who like to save money, (who doesn't). The sporting goods stores cannot keep them in stock. Even Walmart gets hit heavily. I guess what I was thinking about was some competition for the generic "white box" market, for mostly pistol and .223 ammo. Also smaller quantities of self defense/tactical ammunition.
I really wasn't thinking about match quality ammo, but an education on what it takes to make it would be appreciated. What dillon products are capable of this in reasonable smaller quantities, say 5000 rounds a day-rifle?
Yes and Thank you, I was aware of the ATF requirements for filing excise tax as well as proper licenceure and insurance. I guess more than anything I really did not want to have initial outlay of funds, just for a commercial grade automatic loader like the "Ammo Load" made in Lewiston Idaho. Just doing research at this point.
The other issue and reason is secondary. If we eventually have restrictions on the manufacture, either of private or commercial ammunition, only those with a licence and certification may be allowed to buy components.
Please give your opinion on both areas, bulk ammo and match ammo.
Thank you for your speedy reply, you guys are great!
Quote from Reloader on July 23, 2008, 9:25 pmFor 5000 rounds a day, either the XL650 or the Super 1050 would meet your needs for both quality and quantity.
The primary issue with trying to compete with the "White Box" guys is being able to purchase components in sufficently large quantity to be able to compete pricewise.
The Super 1050 is a very popular choice for commercial loaders. It has a built-in primer pocket swager to remove the crimp from boxer-primed military cases. Lots of folks use this machine to make a living with.
For 5000 rounds a day, either the XL650 or the Super 1050 would meet your needs for both quality and quantity.
The primary issue with trying to compete with the "White Box" guys is being able to purchase components in sufficently large quantity to be able to compete pricewise.
The Super 1050 is a very popular choice for commercial loaders. It has a built-in primer pocket swager to remove the crimp from boxer-primed military cases. Lots of folks use this machine to make a living with.
Quote from Reloader on July 24, 2008, 5:24 pmGreat information! I really appreciate the insight. I also agree that; with the metals market being volatile, it deffinately would pay to purchase a large ammount of components to hedge your pricing. I guess therein lies the question; How much and for how long?
There must be companies who make powder and such, just for the commercial guys, if you know where to look. I know some wholesalers require that you have an FFL to show your legitamacy or a brick and mortar type business.
Well it's off to do more research. I need to find out more about powder and primer storage for the commercial reloader. What the ATFE requires and expects.
Thank you, and Best Regards,
Jet
Great information! I really appreciate the insight. I also agree that; with the metals market being volatile, it deffinately would pay to purchase a large ammount of components to hedge your pricing. I guess therein lies the question; How much and for how long?
There must be companies who make powder and such, just for the commercial guys, if you know where to look. I know some wholesalers require that you have an FFL to show your legitamacy or a brick and mortar type business.
Well it's off to do more research. I need to find out more about powder and primer storage for the commercial reloader. What the ATFE requires and expects.
Thank you, and Best Regards,
Jet