Expansion Industries Primer Plant

[MoscowMike]

In a recent post I mentioned that a gun shop clerk told me that the new Expansion Industries primer plant in Texas was not going to be built. No one seemed to have more info about it, but one poster said it had been a scam without providing details.

There doesn’t appear to be anything new about the plant since March. That had included articles about hiring staff, but no details. I went out to their web site, where I found no mention of primers -
https://www.expansion-ammunition.com/

Their contact info includes a phone number, but the menu only provides choices for distributors or ordering ammunition, suggesting that you check their web site for other questions.

I sent an email asking if they had an update.

Next I called the Texarcana Gazette, who had published an article about the new plant. The newsroom operator didn’t have any info but took my email address and said she would ask the editor if there was an update.

A couple of sites show ads for EXP Ballistics primers, but no stock -

https://dualwieldsupply.com/product/exp-ballistics-small-pistol-primers-by-expansion-ammunition/

I suppose I could call the local Chamber of Commerce office.

In the meantime, anyone else have actual facts from the last couple of months? Are any of you dealers who could talk to someone?

 

[CQB45ACP]

I said it was a scam but don’t know if you’re referring to me.

I’ve also posted in the past documentation the guy behind expansion (Richard Smissen) was charged with securities fraud in VA, plead no contest, paid a fine, and then landed in Texas.

I too contacted the newspaper—reporter Junius Stone or something like that but never heard back.
Hope you have better luck.

 

[higgite]

Unless you invested in Expansion Industries or are looking for a job, why does it matter? If they ever produce primers for public consumption, we’ll find out. If they don’t, they don’t, and nothing is lost. Just MHO. ymmv

 

[LiveLife]

Starting to think I should have bought more of S&B primers when they were sold by Cabela's for $20/1000 ... just 3 years ago

Also, thinking I should have bought more Wolf primers when they were sold by Powder Valley for $14/1000 ... Dang, how time flies.

I didn't think at the time but looking back, Winchester primers for $27/1000 now looks to be a heck of a deal and I should have bought more ...

Expansion Industries ... why does it matter? If they ever produce primers for public consumption, we’ll find out. If they don’t, they don’t, and nothing is lost. Just MHO. ymmv

I know about Ginex primers but surprised other country primer makers ididn't step in to fill the demand for primers ... Like Armscor - https://ammoterra.com/product/armscor-primers

 

[CQB45ACP]

Unless you invested in Expansion Industries or are looking for a job, why does it matter? If they ever produce primers for public consumption, we’ll find out. If they don’t, they don’t, and nothing is lost. Just MHO. ymmv

Because the story keeps turning up like a bad penny and some folks (like me for instance) don’t like to be made a fool of and like heading off any bad results.

 

[MoscowMike]

I said it was a scam but don’t know if you’re referring to me.

If Smisson was involved in bad behavior elsewhere, that makes me more suspicious, but doesn't mean this is a scam. Lack of updates certainly makes you wonder.

Unless you invested in Expansion Industries or are looking for a job, why does it matter?

It helps me guess whether there will be more primers available next year, which affects a decision to spend what seems like silly prices now. Besides, if it is a scam it would be good to make that known.

 

[BushMaster-15]

Whomever is running that outfit ,isn't gonna sell SQUAT at those prices !. Setting up a primer facility requires far more involvement then ammunition reloading and can only imagine permitting would take some doing ,as well as inspections !.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

It helps me guess whether there will be more primers available next year…

Yes. But that doesn’t mean they will be any less expensive. Buy what you need when you need it and if you can afford it. If you can’t afford shooting, take up a cheaper hobby - like golf or boating.

 

[Charlie98]

It helps me guess whether there will be more primers available next year,

Building out a new facility, bringing in the machinery to manufacture something like primers, and hiring and training people to work... it ain't gonna be next year, and that's without the suspicion of something fishy going on. I would estimate 3 years at the earliest.

 

[CQB45ACP]

If Smisson was involved in bad behavior elsewhere, that makes me more suspicious, but doesn't mean this is a scam. Lack of updates certainly makes you wonder.

It helps me guess whether there will be more primers available next year, which affects a decision to spend what seems like silly prices now. Besides, if it is a scam it would be good to make that known.

Zebras don’t (typically) change their stripes. The fraud in VA involved selling “shares” of components.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Yes. But that doesn’t mean they will be any less expensive. Buy what you need when you need it and if you can afford it. If you can’t afford shooting, take up a cheaper hobby - like golf or boating.

Golf is the excuse/example I tell my wife when she complains about the cost of a new 1911. “At least I don’t play golf anymore.”

If I had a storage facility I’d be tempted to buy a truckload of those Argentinian primers from Zincpoint. But why do none of these foreign outfits make LPP?

 

[Swampman]

But why do none of these foreign outfits make LPP?

I'm guessing it's because the use of large pistol primers is mostly confined to the USA, and like it or not, they're being phased out here.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Whomever is running that outfit ,isn't gonna sell SQUAT at those prices !. Setting up a primer facility requires far more involvement then ammunition reloading and can only imagine permitting would take some doing ,as well as inspections !.

Are they repackaging another brand and selling it as their own brand that is made in Texas? It's funny their not listed on the companies web site.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Are they repackaging another brand and selling it as their own brand that is made in Texas? It's funny their not listed on the companies web site.

We’re regurgitating the regurgitation of prior threads on this topic. But, NO, they said they had already invested $100 million (yes, that’s right) for the purpose of manufacturing primers. The Texarkana Gazette and local leaders were happy to report and believe it wasn’t all BS.

Just goes to show, when you want something in the worst way, that’s how you’ll get it.

 

[Howa 9700]

The plight of the Texas primer place seems to have an easy solution. Somebody goes out there and knocks on the door. Either it is or isn't.

But as for a new primer company, it does seem there is room for another. It is not just reloaders. There are now a gob and a bunch of small ammo makers.........that also need primers. It would seem they are in the same boat as we are. Buying them from Vista or Olin.

It does not seem like it would be that hard to do. There are guys reloading working primers at home. If guys can do that, making them from scratch ought to be doable too.

 

[CQB45ACP]

The plight of the Texas primer place seems to have an easy solution. Somebody goes out there and knocks on the door. Either it is or isn't.

But as for a new primer company, it does seem there is room for another. It is not just reloaders. There are now a gob and a bunch of small ammo makers.........that also need primers. It would seem they are in the same boat as we are. Buying them from Vista or Olin.

It does not seem like it would be that hard to do. There are guys reloading working primers at home. If guys can do that, making them from scratch ought to be doable too.

Look forward to see pics of your converted backyard shed

 

[higgite]

Besides, if it is a scam it would be good to make that known.

I think that ship has sailed.

 

[mdi]

Hmmm. I have been able to ignore "internet wisdom" and "conspiracy theories" about stuff I see on line, especially reloading forums. I don't get headaches or stomach aches worrying/wondering is something will happen good or bad. So, in my opinion a new primer manufacturer is a rumor that I do/don't believe...

 

[Rule3]

I think that ship has sailed.

It is still out at sea. They will not let it come ashore!
No worries there is still another 4 primer plants under way!

 

[CQB45ACP]

Hmmm. I have been able to ignore "internet wisdom" and "conspiracy theories" about stuff I see on line, especially reloading forums. I don't get headaches or stomach aches worrying/wondering is something will happen good or bad. So, in my opinion a new primer manufacturer is a rumor that I do/don't believe...

And yet here you are on a thread entitled & regarding an Internet rumor

 

[mdi]

Yep, just sharing my take on all the mindless speculation. Reading isn't agreeing, just lookin'. You are reading this thread too!

 

[CQB45ACP]

Yep, just sharing my take on all the mindless speculation. You are reading this thread too!

Yes I am but I’m not denigrating it’s existence nor questioning the interest others have in the subject nor calling the speculation mindless.

What sets this one apart was the initial interest shown by the actual press and local business leaders.

 

[mdi]

Perhaps, but facts? The most replies from the press and business seems to be nil or "I don't know". If sharing my opinion denigrating or calling names, it isn't meant that way and if it is bothersome, live with it. But IIRC, you "liked" my post.....

 

[CQB45ACP]

Perhaps, but facts? The most replies from the press and business seems to be nil or "I don't know". If sharing my opinion denigrating or calling names, it isn't meant that way and if it is bothersome, live with it. But IIRC, you "liked" my post.....

I like other opinions even yours

I find the subject fascinating and have the moment the expansion folks were quoted in the Texarkana Gazette saying they’d already invested $100 million. I called BS (figuratively) at that.

 

[Charlie98]

They may have sourced $100M, but where they poured it might be up to question…