Marshall needs to get in on this one. The question is whether a cast bullst maker needs the Federal License to cast and sell cast bullets? There is all type of speculation on this one...even the Feds disagree.
Some say you need the same 06 lincense (ammo makers) to sell cast bullets. Since I know how hard that's to get, it sure will put the small fellow out of business.
How about this....if you reload ammo and give/sell it to a friend and do not have a license.....you are not legal
Regards, James

My understanding is that if the shooter gives you any part ie. his lead then he is part of the operation.

CD

The risk is always there that anyone injured or killed involving the use of your bullets can sue even though you did not pull the trigger.

How about this....if you reload ammo and give/sell it to a friend and do not have a license.....you are not legal

I've been told that while trapshooting, if the shooter next to me has a misfire or shoots at a broken target and has no spare shells, I can legally give him a new shell to refire, but not one I reloaded (manufactured).

I think Irv's observation would be an ATA rule, not a law. "Legally" there would only refer to the results of that trapshoot.

On another board, a guy was asking about getting an ammunition-manufacturing license to allow him to do some minor thing. He learned how expensive and difficult it is to get and keep one, and gave up the idea. The mandatory insurance alone is horrendously expensive, I believe.

It's not an ATA rule, reloads are allowed as long as they don't violate the ammo specifications. Last year they even permited reloads at the Grand American. Giving away reloaded ammunition is supposedly technically a violation of ATF regulations if one does not have an ammunition manufacturing license. I've never heard of anyone being procecuted for it, but the liability is also there.

I'll be jiggered. Thanks. (Reloads at the Grand?!! Holy moley!)

We drifted off the point here. I am not concerned about myself, as we have a Federal Ammo Makers License, but this new wrinkle has far reaching problems! According to the Feds, If you load/or reload ammo and whether you sell/give it away, without an FFl or an 16....you are breaking their law....period! That is their interperation of the law...what you do is up to you.
But, the question here is whether a cast bullet maker must have either a FFl or an 06? I Think I know who was asking the questuions and if it is, he bought all of Rock Island Ballistics machines and molds.
I, have a call in for my ATF agent for some answers. I do know that are starting to watch Gun Clubs that are selling reloads to club members? If they are going to require 06 lincese for cast bullets....it could have long reaching trouble.....the 06 ammo makers lincese is rough to get!
Component sales...primers, brass, powder, jacketed bullets are one thing, but cast bullets alone????
Howe about a bullet maker that sells all his bullets to a 06 maker?....and on and on?
Regards, James

Just sell sized and lubed fishing sinkers. It is not loaded ammunition. Is a piece of a lead alloy in "a shape". Molding it square makes a difference?

Cheezywan

Just sell sized and lubed fishing sinkers. It is not loaded ammunition. Is a piece of a lead alloy in "a shape". Molding it square makes a difference?

Cheezy, I like that analogy. Good way of putting it!

Sized and lubed fishing sinkers??? That's funny, as my dad and I had the same arguement. I suggested that, and his reply was, "call it what you want, they're still bullets". Hmmmm.... I just posted a thread in the Generals regarding this question of wether or not you can cast and sell. Seems that there's ALWAYS a stopper when someone wants to make a little extra cash! I suppose I could be a flourist and get sued if someone got stung by a BEE! Everyone's so darn sue happy....! Doesn't that get sickening?? "Can't Can't Can't..."

James Gates,
The terminology was "load/reload" ammo. Is a cast bullet alone considered AMMO? It's not really "loading" or "reloading" is it?? Or is this an issue of "components"??

Federal Firearms Regulations Refference Guide- Page 6-Item (17) (a)...."The term "ammunition" means ammunition or cartridge cases, primers, bullets, or propellant powders designed for use in any firearm"
As from the letter from Spencer...This applies to the definition of what a Firearm is by law. But, here's the vague part...he says it does not apply to firearms classed as Antique by law.
So...any cast bullet sold, or given, to be loaded in ammunition for an Antique does not need a license. The problem arises here that there are cast bullets that can be loaded in a cartridge that fits both Firearms and Antique. It also seems not to apply to round balls and conicals sold for use in a muzzle loader.
This law also covers any reloaded ammunition sold, or given, to anyone.
So...don't jump my case about this? I only did a complete followup for some friends that wanted to get into the cast bullet business. Since Dixie Slugs has a Type 06 Federal License, we are covered. Whether the ATF plans, or does, inforce this cast bullet thing?....I do not have a clue and it's up to you as to how your plans apply. This stuff about sized and lubed fishing weights is humorous, but I would cosider the subject as serious.
Regards, James

James,

Thanks for the info. I guess vague is the norm for terms and such. I guess unless someone wants to make a "business" out of it, it's not worth the heartburn. Gee, can't have any fun! ;-)

Who is "Spencer" James? Friend of yours is fine. I have no interest in selling my "home cast bullets" here!
Load on "the cheap" is what I'm after! Beartooth makes good stuff. I can't afford it for plinking. I save them for special situations.

Cheezywan

You can address your questions to:
John R. Spencer
Chief, Firearms Technolgy Branch
Buureau of Alcohol, Tobacco
Firearms and Explosives
Martinsburg WV 25401
He is who answered my letter for clarification of casting bullets for sale. As I said before, I am not involved in all this except that I asked for clarification as the what Steve Adams, Lake City Fla, was told by the area ATF office. If you contact Spencer, refer him to hiis letter of Feb 22 to James C. Gates-Dixie Slugs. I have never met or know Spencer other than his reply to my letter.
After all...its their law, not mine! I am just passing on the information. What all you do with it is up to you.
Jmaes