Whatever The case, it seems even the ATF is unclear about ITAR. Paperwork is en-route. Agent informed me that it is currently a discussion at DOS and they may be tiering the fee to what you are producing. Right now the fee is the same whether you are making mortars, abram tanks, or 45acp. I will gladly comply to get my foot in the door. I currently have no less than a dozen local gun shops that will gladly stock my product. I just have to wait for paperwork to go. at single man production rates, it will only take less than two weeks to armatorize the fees for DOS registration, ffl, insurance and business license. I am willing to make that happen no problem. I am going to go ahead and produce ammunition instead of just trying to make this adventure work with casting swaging alone. There is more money in it especially given the current endemic. Insurance is in the works, LLC is being applied for, as is the ffl and ITAR. Anything worth doing takes money.
My long range shooting has developed a reputation over the years and my LGS is asking me to provide a premium custom reloading service catered to this as well. This premium ammunition has a ton more profit potential than selling swaged or cast bullets alone. Guys are spending 50 dollars for 20 rifle cartridges that they don't even know will shoot in their gun. While I am awaiting paperwork I will be loading my current bullseye recipies for quick sell once everything clears.