Thinking about switching to a self-directed from my current Silver IRA custodian - anyone make the jump?

• •I've had a Silver IRA for a few years now with a traditional custodian, holding mostly American Silver Eagles and some Canadian Maples.
• •My portfolio is sitting around the $180k mark, which I'm happy with, but I've been feeling increasingly limited by their options.
• •My current custodian is fine, they do their job, but it's very much a "these are your options, pick one" kind of deal.

I've had a Silver IRA for a few years now with a traditional custodian, holding mostly American Silver Eagles and some Canadian Maples. My portfolio is sitting around the $180k mark, which I'm happy with, but I've been feeling increasingly limited by their options. I'm a military contractor here in Jacksonville, and let me tell you, security and independence are always top of mind for me – professionally and financially.

My current custodian is fine, they do their job, but it's very much a "these are your options, pick one" kind of deal. I've been looking into self-directed IRAs for my precious metals because I really want more control over what specific silver products I'm investing in, and frankly, I'm just not thrilled with their fee structure and the lack of transparency sometimes. Feels a bit like I'm stuck in a black box. I’d love to diversify into some more specialized numismatic silver, maybe even some fractional bars, but they just don't offer it.

Has anyone here made the switch from a traditional custodian to a self-directed IRA, especially for a precious metals account? What was your experience like? Was the setup process a nightmare or pretty straightforward? Also, any recommendations for self-directed IRA custodians that are particularly strong with silver (and maybe a little gold too, just in case I decide to add some down the line) would be greatly appreciated. I'm based in Florida, so any insights on state-specific regulations or good local contacts are a bonus, though obviously, most of this is handled nationally.