Selling Aluminum NR 9mm casings?

[geotndtwine]

Recently I was in at "The Shooting Centre" Calgary, I was just looking around at all the shelves. Always like to look at the used brass in hopes someone turns out some odd ball brass, at a deal. When I noticed a large bag of used aluminum 9mm casings, wondering what the heck. I always just assumed NR on the head stamp was for not reloadable. Asked the fellows behind the counter what they where selling them for, they told me for reloading, assuming from their look non where reloaders, I left it at that. Just wondering its kind of taboo to reload aluminum cases. I have never tried I am sure you could but why when there is perfectly good brass cases. Does anyone know what they would do with used aluminum cases, other then recycle them for the go rate of 25cents/pound? Just wondering if I am missing a neat trick?

 

[Ganderite]

If it is Boxer, it can be reloaded. I keep a bucket of it handy in case I have a situation where I need medium power ammo where I won't be able to get the brass back - such as in a match in the snow.

I have reloaded it twice without issue, but would not trust in for more. Those were mild loads.

 

[Spawn-Inc]

yes they can be reloaded, but i would stick with moderate loads as ganderite suggests. i typically get 3-4 reloads before the primer pocket loosens up to the point the primer can easily fall out. i can tell when the primer is easy to seat so i set those aside before they get loaded. i also reload the 45acp cci has, and i have reloaded full house loads with the berdan 357mag cases but it's a pain to do. i did it just because i can and hopefully it pisses sunray off, i'm sure he will be by to tell you it's impossible to reload aluminum or steel cases and that they don't make berdan primers......

and some Tula 45acp boxer primed steel cases that i've loaded fairly hot 20+ times.

 

[Reeferman]

yes they can be reloaded, but i would stick with moderate loads as ganderite suggests. i typically get 3-4 reloads before the primer pocket loosens up to the point the primer can easily fall out. i can tell when the primer is easy to seat so i set those aside before they get loaded. i also reload the 45acp cci has, and i have reloaded full house loads with the berdan 357mag cases but it's a pain to do. i did it just because i can and hopefully it pisses sunray off, i'm sure he will be by to tell you it's impossible to reload aluminum or steel cases and that they don't make berdan primers......

and some Tula 45acp boxer primed steel cases that i've loaded fairly hot 20+ times.

Whats with the coloured bullets?

 

[LUTNIT]

Whats with the coloured bullets?

Powder coated. It's the newest fad for bullet casters. There's several long threads about it in the casting section. It pretty much eliminates all leading without having to use grease.

-----------------------------------

I believe the manufacturers advise against reloading aluminum cases. Of course many firearms manufacturers also advise against using any handloads in their firearms; some even void your warranty if you do. Lawyers have a lot of power.
I avoid reloading aluminum cases personally. Then again I also avoid shooting semi's in the snow unless 22lr or steel cased surplus.

 

[Spawn-Inc]

Whats with the coloured bullets?

powder coated cast bullets. it acts similar to copper plating but offers various colours.

i thought there was a how to on here but i can't find it so here are some links that should help get a better idea.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1074392-First-Powder-coats!?highlight=powder+coating

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1083769-powder-coating-questions?highlight=powder+coating

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1072747-Powder-coat-45acp?highlight=powder+coating

 

[ted_dent]

To be honest I didn't even know they made boxer primed aluminum or steel cases. All the aluminum & steel cases I've ever seen were berdan primed. While it's nice than it can be done (never hurts to have options), unless it's a calibre that is hard to find cases for I don't really see the point. Most ranges I've been to are so littered with 9mm, 40 and (to a somewhat lesser degree) 45 brass that dicking around with stuff like this seems kind of pointless aside from being able to say you did it. Combine that with the short life expectancy of aluminum cases and the greater risk of damaging dies with steel cases and I'm hard pressed to see any benefit. To each their own, though, I guess.

 

[Reeferman]

Interesting. How is the cost compared to non.

 

[Prairie Plinker]

Yeah, I might one day try aluminum reloading, but I'll never reload the steel cases....my poor dies!

 

[Spawn-Inc]

I use Lee dies so if one breaks no big deal. I mainly do it because I can, the aluminum also sizes easier and I don't have to worry as much about loosing brass at the range. Although I still find myself trying to get it all back Haha.

 

[BCRider]

I have a bag of boxer aluminium 9mm. But really 9mm is so easy to pick up at the end of any matches that I doubt I'll ever have to use the aluminium cases. For the same reason I would never need to buy once fired 9mm or .40S&W. The ranges are littered with both at the end of the day at any sort of handgun match where folks shoot semi auto guns.

On the other hand .45ACP is a different story. The folks around here run brands on their cases and I'm pretty sure a few have found a way to insert GPS tracking devices in their brass. Yep, it's THAT highly valued a commodity....

 

[tootall]

Damn, I was so hoping that sunny would have posted by now.
I'll check back tomorrow...

 

[Seagull]

Damn, I was so hoping that sunny would have posted by now.
I'll check back tomorrow...

LMAO. Just spit out my drink. Who would we trash if we didn't have the sunray......check back in an hour

On the topic of AL cases I did it because it said NR on the case. I called BS to that and they work fine with the caveats mentioned earlier.

 

[Armored Metal]

yes they can be reloaded, but i would stick with moderate loads as ganderite suggests. i typically get 3-4 reloads before the primer pocket loosens up to the point the primer can easily fall out. i can tell when the primer is easy to seat so i set those aside before they get loaded. i also reload the 45acp cci has, and i have reloaded full house loads with the berdan 357mag cases but it's a pain to do. i did it just because i can and hopefully it pisses sunray off, i'm sure he will be by to tell you it's impossible to reload aluminum or steel cases and that they don't make berdan primers......

and some Tula 45acp boxer primed steel cases that i've loaded fairly hot 20+ times.

Man! I'm still laughing!

That comment made my day!