shotmaker ..never seen one before.

[GLOCKENNBOOMER]

http://www.littletonshotmaker.com/

How does this work? Seems like if you made more than 5 or 6 bags of shot it would pay for itself.

[nitesite]

Good question! I've always wanted to know more about them.

Do they produce shot that is as nearly round as Remington or Lawrence brands (which typically use a 30-foot shot tower)?

Is Littleton shot more imprecise in size and shape?

[AdamN]

From what Ive heard and seen you have to play with the alloy/temp/coolant but when right you can make some pretty good shot.

There are a few guys over at cast boolits that have either a Littleton or several home-brew alternatives.

If I shot/reloaded a lot of shotgun I would sure figure out how to get one going.

[GLOCKENNBOOMER]

Like I said, seems a little hefty for one $300-$400 dollars....but once you made about 6 bags of shot with it, it just paid for itself....isn't shot at or around $50 a bag? Sometimes it might make oddball shot, but there's gotta be a way you could filter them out and just remelt them.........Bags of shot around $20-$30 a bag would be a big hit at gunshows.

[JLarsson]

Would making shot to sell count as manufacturing ammunition and require a Type 6 FFL like Freakshow has/had (haven't kept up)?

[MakeMineaP99]

That's a grey area, here's why:

18 USC §921(17)(A) defines ammunition as:

"(A) The term “ammunition” means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellent powder designed for use in any firearm."

While shot is not specifically listed, the conclusion can be drawn shot would be included under "bullets", especially with the "any firearm" phrase being used.

[Brass Nazi]

Shot is not a bullet. It is simply a spherical piece of metal alloy.

[craig110]

Shot is not a bullet. It is simply a spherical piece of metal alloy.

If the shape matters, so the "spherical piece of metal alloy" that is commonly shot out of a blackpowder gun isn't a bullet? :skep:

JL, if you're thinking of getting into shot-making, I'd suggest that the low price of getting an FFL06 would be well worth the peace of mind.

[MakeMineaP99]

I agree with Craig.

Do NOT screw around with the Feds, pay the $30 for the 06 or the $150 for the 07 FFL and be done with it.

[JLarsson]

Craig - Not considering shot-making for fun OR profit. :) I was just typing out loud.

I did get into a little fracas awhile back over on 24 hour campfire. A fella was saying he would cast bullets for people and he listed his molds and prices (I think) and I wandered in and asked if he had his Type 6 FFL. He was pretty cool about it, but there were a couple other fellas you'd think I shot their dogs or insulted their mothers or something. One "gentleman" claimed he was going to check with the ATF and prove me wrong and then he never returned to that thread, so either he was all air (probably) or he actually checked with the ATF and knew I was right. And the only reason I knew about that was I had been reading all about Freakshow's experience in getting his FFL for manufacturing "ammunition".

But if I WERE going to make shot for resale, I'd definnitely get the license. Like you say, Dan, NOT worth having it even MAYBE come back to bite me.

[Trooperdan]

Not only does casting for sale involved a federal license you are also supposed to register under the State Dept IATAR rules and as I recall, THAT license is about $1750. Are most casters doing that? Nope! Are they in violation ? Yep!

[MakeMineaP99]

You would be correct, Dan. The AECA of 1976 requires registration and payment of the filing fee $1750 by 06 FFLs, even if not importing.

The AECA is so sweeping, rifle scope manufacturers must register and pay the filing fee.

[Flexmoney]

In action on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaiWEpu2eWQ