Empty cases worth ?

[old pipefitter]

I've got a friend trading me 1400+once fired empty cases for loaded ammo. I'm asking what would be a good trade for both of us. 1 to 4 or 3 ratio. He has .357,.38's and .44's. And I'm pretty flush on bullets, primers and powders. But who can't use more brass.

[H Richard]

My values may be a little out of date with current pandemic pricing, but my thoughts are: 38's = .05 ea, 45's = .07 ea, 357's = .08 ea, and 44 mag = .10 ea.

[robertrwalsh]

Go on one of the brass seller web sites and calculate from there. I buy most of my used brass from Diamond K and Sleeping Giant . There are others out there. That will give you the current retail price on fire brass pretty easily.

[DWalt]

I am fortunate to have access to a range where I can get free essentially unlimited quantities of cases (rifle and pistol) of nearly all the calibers I reload. But for someone who needs brass, I would say a price the range in the nickel to dime range is fair, depending on caliber.

[ArchAngelCD]

You got good advice above, check the online sources who sell once fire brass and you will easily find your answer.

If you can get 100 .357 Magnum cases for $20 that's $40 for 200. if you can find FMJ .357 Magnum ammo for $40/50 rounds that would be a 4:1 ratio. Of course if the factory ammo costs more the ratio will change. I haven't bought ammo for a very long time so I'm not sure of the prices. Of course SD ammo will cost a lot more than FMJ ammo. Probably in the 7:1 or 8:1 ratio.

BUT, are you sure you want to let go of factory ammo right now. It's hard to find and after you shoot a box you still have 50 once fired cases.

[old pipefitter]

Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD

You got good advice above, check the online sources who sell once fire brass and you will easily find your answer.

If you can get 100 .357 Magnum cases for $20 that's $40 for 200. if you can find FMJ .357 Magnum ammo for $40/50 rounds that would be a 4:1 ratio. Of course if the factory ammo costs more the ratio will change. I haven't bought ammo for a very long time so I'm not sure of the prices. Of course SD ammo will cost a lot more than FMJ ammo. Probably in the 7:1 or 8:1 ratio.

BUT, are you sure you want to let go of factory ammo right now. It's hard to find and after you shoot a box you still have 50 once fired cases.

Its not factory Ammo I'm giving him. I guess I should have stated its Good bullets in cases I've loaded. Gold Dots, XTP's, Nosler HP's. He knows not to use these in a SD situation.

[Paul in Nevada]

You are looking at 25¢ to 40¢ per case these days for new pistol brass.

[243winxb]

$1.50 a pound.

[dave1918a2]

If You are trading reloads it would be wise to remember the liability issues than can arise. I would have a signature that You are trading brass for brass only. May be a friend and trustworthy, but that doesn't include family.