is it really worth it?

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goatee

goatee

Member
Feb 6, 2022
22
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harrison twnp Michigan, United States
hello everyone.
im a bit new to this, but i purchased a taipan veteran long in .25 and i absolutely love it. i am considering making my own ammo with a corbin press.
time consuming and tedious as it may be,,, the quality control will be greatly improved. does anyone here do this? is there much demand for better slugs?
not looking to quit my job but,,, if i was shipping out 500 slugs a week,,? i could at least offset some of the cost. maybe get a die set in .25 and .30..

any thoughts on this would be appreciated. this set up is going to set me back around $2200. just wondering if i shouldn't just stick to buying factory.
 
Delivery times were a year, on Corbin stuff...not sure if that has changed. It was not viable with that waiting period, for me.

Corbin Swage Dies and Presses, David or Richard?

Let me preface this post by saying I am totally green to swaging. I have zero experience. My only exposure is via YouTube videos, AGN posts, and reading information posted on the internet. With that said, I have come across a couple of names concerning swaging slugs. The one I have encountered...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com
 
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As a matter of rough math it probably doesn't pan out.
.25 slugs cost around 15 cents each. 15,000 of these slugs would be $2,250.00.
If you could make them for 1/2 the cost, you would need to make 30,000 to break even. This assumes you find the magical best shooting variant with your first die, and pay yourself nothing.
If you were not shooting them but instead selling them at 500 per week as suggested and were getting the commercial rate of 15 cents each, you would need to sell 15,000 to pay for your equipment. This would take 30 weeks or 7-1/2 months.

If the goal is supreme accuracy above time and cost, then making your own may be worth it. I would genuinely love to see some folks who can show real world improvements with home pressed ammo. I have considered it several times but I feel like for myself, I switch up guns and combos too often for it to really pan out. My biggest improvements (minimal as they are :cry:) have come from shooting in the wind and with different platforms.

For those that do make their own, please help me to see what I may be missing.

Just 2 cents.
 
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yeah... kind of what i thought all the math is about what i figured as well. not trying to start a business or quit my job, but more offset some of the cost.
so i thought id throw it out there and see what kind of responses i get back. if i got 5 orders a week. (100) slugs per order. id do it!
i figure at $20 thats $120 a week, less the cost of lead, packaging and shipping. paying a little more for (what im assuming) to be a better product,, i think people may go for it. these competitions hand out some thick checks for prize money. who wouldnt want a hand stamped slug? custom size and weight.
im still kicking the idea around so,,,, if anyone reading this thinks they may be interested in trying some???? drop me a line.
 
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I am retired and still think the time to set up / clean up and take down is not worth it . let alone the health considerations / danger of burns / fumes / breathing masks . Way to much hassle !! and space to put everything involved . easier and cheaper to have a pro cast your desires .
ask your self , How many custom size slugs can i buy for this investment ?
 
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I would be interested in buying slugs that have an XXL hollow point — almost totally open, just a bit of crimping to form a slight ogive.
Once we figure out the right size, I'd buy bulk .30cal and .22cal.

Matthias

A shape between the far left slug and the next one to the right (ogive about 88%):
Projectiles. XHP Slugs. Swaged by CBuasri. 01.jpg



A shape between the bottom slug and the next one above it (ogive about 88%):
Projectiles. XHP Slugs. Swaged by CBuasri. 02.jpg
 
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The price you are thinking of is a little low for what you have in mind. I started swaging in 1990 when prices were much lower. Each diameter requires a different die. Even .001" different. Each point shape requires a different die. Each tip type requires a different punch. Same for the base. You can change weight easily with the same die within limits. For me its fun swaging and casting. Going to take dedication and cash to make any money. My opinion.
 
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HubenK1Sniper92 said:
If you have the time then go for it, me I don’t have time.. it’s easier to just hit the buy it button on the nsa website or other airgun sites 😁 oh and congrats on the taipan, can’t go wrong there never owned one yet but I would love to own that new veteran 2 with the forward cocking handle
Click to expand...
only put maybe 150 rounds threw it. its a tack driver for sure! was 1600 with the fancy stock i got. then i upgraded to dials to adjust power. (instead of using the tool) i do love it,,,,,,,,,,, buuuut... i kinda want the fx maverick sniper. not really in a position financially to buy another without selling the first one.
i saw the new vet II but didnt see any difference. until now. you mentioning the forward cocking. makes sense.
 
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goatee said:
only put maybe 150 rounds threw it. its a tack driver for sure! was 1600 with the fancy stock i got. then i upgraded to dials to adjust power. (instead of using the tool) i do love it,,,,,,,,,,, buuuut... i kinda want the fx maverick sniper. not really in a position financially to buy another without selling the first one.
i saw the new vet II but didnt see any difference. until now. you mentioning the forward cocking. makes sense.
Click to expand...
you never hear any complaints about a taipan, and they have a cult following..
 
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I just cast and size my slugs and pellets. I recycle my lead from my pellet trap and I'm retarde er retired so I have the time. I do a 100% qc on everything I cast also. Swagging just seems to expensive where the lead pot and dipper are less than a C note. The molds are less than a buck and a half. As far as sizing it can be done for less than $30.
 
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beerthief said:
I am retired and still think the time to set up / clean up and take down is not worth it . let alone the health considerations / danger of burns / fumes / breathing masks . Way to much hassle !! and space to put everything involved . easier and cheaper to have a pro cast your desires .
ask your self , How many custom size slugs can i buy for this investment ?
Click to expand...
You know you can buy the lead ready to go?
 
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beerthief said:
I am retired and still think the time to set up / clean up and take down is not worth it . let alone the health considerations / danger of burns / fumes / breathing masks . Way to much hassle !! and space to put everything involved . easier and cheaper to have a pro cast your desires .
ask your self , How many custom size slugs can i buy for this investment ?
Click to expand...
For some it's just part of the hobby. I enjoy doing it. I use my shooting table I made and just sit in the garage door way and cast for a hour. I then take a break for a little while and go back and cast some more.
 
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Kilmouski said:
Delivery times were a year, on Corbin stuff...not sure if that has changed. It was not viable with that waiting period, for me.

Corbin Swage Dies and Presses, David or Richard?

Let me preface this post by saying I am totally green to swaging. I have zero experience. My only exposure is via YouTube videos, AGN posts, and reading information posted on the internet. With that said, I have come across a couple of names concerning swaging slugs. The one I have encountered...
www.airgunnation.com www.airgunnation.com
Click to expand...
The wait times are currently a lot shorter. There are several product currently in stock. Call Corbin Manufacturing to find out details and delivery times.

www.corbins.com

Contact Us | Corbins

www.corbins.com www.corbins.com
 
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Firewalker said:
Is Dave even making dies anymore?
Click to expand...
@Firewalker Not sure. That would be a good question for the folks at Corbin Manufacturing. I was told that the company has been sold and that Mr. Corbin functions in an advisory capacity or something to that effect. The new owners are pictured on the upgraded Corbin site.
 
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