Aluminum Cases in Cx4 Storm?

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AaronW18

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Hello,

I just picked up a Beretta Cx4 Storm as well as a bunch of CCI/Blazer 115gr aluminum 9mm rounds. However I am reading online that aluminum cases may not be the best thing to run in a blowback carbine? What do people think about this.. will I be okay firing these rounds? Or do I run the risk of damaging my rifle.

Thanks!
 
You won't damage the rifle. But you may find that it jams a little more frequently.

The Blazer aluminium I used in my CZ handguns tended to jam far more frequently than brass. I think it was related to the aluminium binding more against the chamber walls while being extracted. When you try some check a few of the ejected cases to see if there are any scuff marks on the sides that might indicate being extracted while still under enough residual chamber pressure that the cases were still pushing on the chamber. Also take note of how far it ejects. If it's a lot shorter than the flight path of brass casings you may start to see some jams related to a weak ejection.
 
I ran a box of Blazer through mine without issues. No jams. Shoot with confidence. In fact my CX4 has NEVER jammed and eats everything I feed it.

For a few cents more I prefer brass though for future reloading capabilities.
 
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After seeing this thread I did some searching and found quite a few different forums where this topic was discussed, but no real facts. I couldn't find any manufacturers safety data sheets that warned against using aluminum cartridge cases in carbines. I fired off an email to Blazer. I did not specifically ask about firearms being damaged. This was the response I received.

"We have seen case separation on the carbine. The issue is not one of over pressurization of the cartridge but of pressure sustaining longer in the chamber the fact that aluminum is not pliable like brass.

When the round is fired, you have the pressure and heat staying longer in an 18 inch carbine than a 4 - 6 inch barrel. At the same time, the bolt is also starting to come back. The case with its inability to be pliable and its obturation, is wedged in the chamber. The extractors at the same time are pulling back. Sometimes, the case gives way and pulls the head from the body of the case leaving a portion of the case in the chamber. This portion after the pressure and heat are gone is easily removed.

So, it is not an over pressure issue. But more of a sustained pressure and heat expanding the stiff aluminum case and being pulled apart. For carbine style firearms, it is suggested to use the Blazer brass."

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