Input needed

[Old Seabee]

Thinking about buying a small bullet casting operation ,Has two bullet masters & two lube masters . It is operating & is a turn key operation . Any thoughts would help me make my mine up . It is a one man operation six days a week. Owner is seventy four & lead has worn hands & shoulders out.Thanks OldSeabee He says no problem getting lead

 

[SMSgt]

Due dilligence is required. Why are the "masters" not buying the business, either singulary or collectively? An accountant can run the books and see what the profit potentials are, etc. A small operation can only produce "X" amount of product and generally must run at full production to maintain a profit.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

There are several casters in business in Ohio already, they seem to keep up with the demand we have already. I agree that casting alloy is readily available. One (the smallest) uses scrap, the others that I know use virgin material. Unless you have contracts to provide cast bullets to commercial reloading firms, you're looking for a retail outlet all the time and debt service on well used equipment is like having a tiger by the tail. Ivan

 

[fredj338]

The internet has made bullet casting a viable business you can do in any state & flat rate ship to the rest. As long as you have a cheap alloy supply, then it's viable, you can make a little money doing it. You will spend a lot of hours though, even with automated equip. Still, if the price is right, go for it.

 

[rwsmith]

I assume that buying the business

I assume that a list of regular customers goes along with that. Building a client base could be rough and take a lot of time. I also hope he can throw in some instruction as to how he has operated so as not to have a sudden change in product that will have customers scratching their heads.

 

[amazingflapjack]

Look out for lead-it is dangerous. Precautions should be taken when you are around it or handling it in any way. Annie Oakley died of lead poisoning.

 

[mtgianni]

It is a great way to make minimum wage. For the uninitiated, Master Caster is a manufacturer and there are a lot of safety precautions in todays casting procedures. I believe the average person that cleans their guns is exposed to more fine lead through primers than most casters. Look at the books hard and see if you want a 6 day a week business along wih the shipping and customer interaction being all by phone or e-mail.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If your accountant says it's a go and you can secure the financing and it's what you really want to do, go for it!

Like said above, the books will tell you everything you need to know. Just be sure you know what you're looking at. A good trusted accountant is a necessity along with a good business attorney.

 

[125JHP]

Beware of State and Federal regulations, EPA and Tax requirements, don't forget to check Fire Code & Zoning in your area to see if they 'allow' it (or would you be taking over his facility) and then there is the local cost of electricity. Almost sound on par with a chrome shop... maybe you can hire a couple Mexicants to do the heavy lifting.

 

[HOPSTER]

I just finished reading "the Handbook of Commercial Bullet Casting" by Paul Moore. Although much of the book is a plug for Magna casting equipment, there is much good info.
I would suggest reading it before jumping in.

One thing is certain in light of the many casting operations that have sprung up - the odds of success of a small volume operation are small, and don't believe the rosy picture the author paints when showing possible profit- a lot of the overhead cost is conveniently ignored.

The main key is that you will be buying alloy at a much higher price than the big name shops who purchase railcar loads a year scheduled in advance.