Author Topic: RCE Question (Read 1194 times)

Rick Teal · « **on:** April 29, 2003, 03:49:06 PM »

RCE advertises that they will make dies for other systems at the same prices they make them for their own.

Does anyone out there have any experience ordering dies for other systems from RCE? How about delivery times, costs, compatibility, etc.?

RCE prices are about 2/3 of Corbins, and delivery times are shorter, so its a tempting option.

talon · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2003, 04:23:11 PM »

Rick, I ordered two 'S' 2-die sets from Richard, as well as had him repair an 'H' die I damaged. He was quick as lightening on the repair, and was quicker than Corbin Co would have been on the orders. But, he's a one man operation and practices the first-in first-out method: a LOT depends not only on his swaging workload, but what 'farm' and 'home' chores he has looking at him that week. His prices are real. The only product difference I could see is that the die bodies aren't knurled, and one of the core dies had only "squirt" hole, but it was a little larger by a few thousands than others Corbin Company makes. (This could have been because of the bullet caliber, I'm not sure. I didn't ask. It works better than good). After having said that, the last time I spoke with him, he was receiving more and more orders. That means longer time between you ordering and then getting your item. Too, there is a risk ordering from a one-man company, no matter how good it is. The bullet swaging world is full of history of one man shops colapsing when the owner gets a long term illness or dying.

bullet maker · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2003, 10:45:11 AM »

Gee Talon, you are so cheerful :-D
Just kidding , couldn`t help myself.
bullet maker

talon · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2003, 11:14:08 AM »

About 6 or 7 years ago I used to do some business with Mr Veral Smith (Mr LBT Bullet Molds). He made really great special, one-off bullet molds. I ordered several and was planning on ordering a few more. He was a one man shop. Was extreemly well recognized in his field. Then, in '99 he got into a little Tax trouble and ended up in the Stony Lonesome. His line of molds evaporated, only a few well used ones are now found in a few gunshows and auction sites for BIG bucks. But, no new ones at all. That's what happens in one-deep operations. Don't depend too much on them, especially if the field they are in is occupied with only one or two other very small outfits. Unless you enjoy driving across the desert with a broken gas gage and no spare tire.

bullet maker · « **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2003, 11:51:04 AM »

I feel for you Talon and know exactly what you mean. But on the other side of the coin, Wal-mart began as a one man show. Bass Pro Shop began as a one man show , selling hand made flies for fisherman out of his garage. :shock: Wouldn`t you like to have bought the stock when these two companies started out. :eek:
:? Dave Corbin was almost will the way he talked about it, when I first started buying from him about 25 years ago, but look at him now. :twisted: So in essence, life is a gamble. The one man shops need our support to grow. They have grown so successful, that most of them forgot who made them, what they are today. :twisted: , So now we are back to full circle, looking for that one man show again with the cheap prices.
But yes, I agree with you in principal, but in reality, I`m a sucker for the under dog. God bless

bullet maker

talon · « **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2003, 12:22:23 PM »

Corban Company is an ORGANIZATION. Even when it started there were the 2 brothers. ( 2 brothers, I think, started 'Bass Pro Shops') Now there are several die makers going at it there, and business structure, etc. Rick asked about Richard's (RCE) operation. Yes, he has plans to grow, but they remain plans. He still does everything himself, I believe. And Richard is no young sprout. While it's ideal to support hardworking capable progressive small businesses, 95% of them fail, not necessarly because of the product or owner's energies. If you are going to sink big money into tools, you have to be practical and assess the long term risk in being able to order modifications to or repares for them, and their eventual resale value. i.e., I would order "Corbin Co" type stuff from him, but would hesitate in getting involved with any of his proprietary items. Don't get me wrong... I've heard from reliable people that 'Walnut Hill' presses are tops, but there's not many out there, and who's to support them if/when Richard is no longer around. That is my position and I recognize it doesn't doesn't apply to everyone.

pjh421 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2003, 03:53:38 PM »

Talon,

Good advice about one-man ops. Still, I'd get a press from Richard. I've got a series II so don't really need one just now though. It would be tough for me to wear one out.

Veral Smith is back in business now.

Regards,

Paul