Bullet making.

[Alycidon]

I have been thinking about making a few bullets, no real reason other than the satisfaction angle I suppose.

 

What are the UK legalities of this issue ?, presumably if I make something in a bore size that I do not hold a ticket for I would be in deep do-da. I would for sure if it was an expanding type rather than a match bullet. To cover things I recon an RFD would be needed, thats probably not worth it unless doing the job commercially.

 

A

[craigyboy]

Geoff, I have been researching this myslef latley and on the law side I can not find a bloody thing out, my FLO doesnt have a clue and neither does the firearms branch here On the technical side I reckon it would be real good but it does seem like a hell of alot of work and from what I can find out at the start it can be a bit troublesome to get everything just right, with the right amount of lube on the jackets etc.

[Streeker59]

So long as the bullet is of a "match " type and not designed to expand on impact, you can make whatever caliber you like without refering to the licensing authourity or an RFD. Just as you can buy any caliber ( non expanding ) bullet from a retail gunshop without it going on your FAC.

I used to cast my own pistol, carbine & rifle bullets. So long as the mould was not designed cast an expanding bullet, there is no problem..

[Andrew]

If it's allowed, I can tell you that casting can be a rewarding experience, both in money saved on bullets, and in the sheer pleasure of developing an accurate load with a home made bullet. I shoot cast in every caliber from .22 Hornet, up. My best BRNO .308 loads are with cast bullets.~Andrew

[Alycidon]

From what I can see bullet making presses are available in the US, Berger sell J4 jackets seperatly, I am sure someone stateside will sell ready made cores Problem I suppose is the cost of the US export licence/ paperwork.

 

A

[Vermincinerator]

Aly,

The way i see it is that if you have authority to hold expanding projectiles then as long as you dont make any more then the amount you are able to hold you should be okay.

As these are not regulated parts i dont think there will be any issues with export/import documentation.

Check out these guys:

 

http://www.corbins.com/

 

http://www.ch4d.com/

 

There is a UK based bullet swaging operation who sell all the gear but i cant remember there name at the mo but will get back when i have found out

 

Ian.

[Redfox]

You could always turn your own in copper or similar too, I agree with Ian shouldnt be an issue.

Redfox

[Alycidon]

I have no engineering experience at all so turning is out, cant see why I would need to when anyone bringing a batch of Bergers over could add a few thousand J4 jackets.

 

I am limited as any ordinary holder is on expanding to a few hundred of a bore size. At present I am well stocked.

 

Maybe its a stupid idea, but the US has quite a few specialists in this field, we might have one from memory. RFD would be the best route especialy if they started to sell, make them for sale though and you want product liabilty insurance !, not cheap. Lead wire for the cores is not to good to handle health wise either is it.

 

A

[Streeker59]

I'm pretty sure the Press for swaging bullets using spent .22Rf cases as the bullet jacket is called a "NALEN". You can also use preformed jackets such as those made by Berger.

The Press forms the case and presses the lead wire into the case then forms the ogive using various dies supplied with the press.

I've seen the press at Bisley at the Phoenix meet over a number of years including this year.

I cant find anything on Google about it so maybe i spelt the name wrong..

[MarinePMI]

22LR brass for bullet jacket forming dies

 

Hope this helps...

[Guest bullet builder]

I have been thinking about making a few bullets, no real reason other than the satisfaction angle I suppose.

 

What are the UK legalities of this issue ?, presumably if I make something in a bore size that I do not hold a ticket for I would be in deep do-da. I would for sure if it was an expanding type rather than a match bullet. To cover things I recon an RFD would be needed, thats probably not worth it unless doing the job commercially.

 

A

Ali if i were you i wouldnt get involved ,you can if you want to and its all legal if you dont make expanding .

Myself and a friend started doing just that a couple of years ago ,the only way you will ever get your investment back is to sell your production .

We only make one caliber ,start up cost .wait for it ,aprox £3 grand .Thats with Carbide dies ,presses ,core cutters etc.

When you make em its all attention to detail ,more and more and more.

As one gent from the USA said its not smoke and mirrors ,just keeping everything very clean ,using the right chemicals and of course the right lube .

Also cost of lead has gone stupid ,Berger jackets keep going up ,cost of carriage from the States is also expensive .

Plus Berger now need an import cert from the US government

All can be overcome but it will drive you nuts and you wont get rich .

If you ever get keen enough to proceed i am more than happy to explain the whole process ,if you have a couple of days to spare.

[Alycidon]

Thanks for the nod, I will stick to buying them in then. A few hundred quid maybe but 3K no way, as you say I will never see the money back unless a commercial operation.

 

A