See what 1,000 cases weigh, and then look at scrap prices. I tried selling some used brass, and most people wanted it for nearly nothing, so I just held on to it, and got tired of it cluttering up my shop, so I took it down to the local scrap yard. Should have seen the look on some of their faces when I showed them $660 for 4-5 gallon buckets of brass they didn't get. Sometimes it's just not worth the time....
Question about selling once fired brass
- Thread starter Shoebox1.1
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Are you saying 4X 5 gallon buckets weigh 330lbs.? That sounds much heavier than I would think.
I cringe every time I hear of some one selling usable brass to scrap yards. Not so much because they could have made more money selling to hand loaders, but that it takes cases off the market. Not unlike police departments that conduct "buy backs" then destroy the guns.
Ooops, I meant to hit the 4 after the dollar sign, but fat fingered it.
As for selling to scrap yards, if they're willing to buy it, it get's it out of my way. They make more of it everyday, and it's not difficult to find for little to nothing.
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Copper prices a couple or so weeks ago were around $2.20 at the place I sell to about every two years. However, scrap yard prices vary considerably from one yard to another.
I sell only worn out or damaged brass and it's not worth the four-mile drive for me if I have under 100 lbs. The place I sell to buys used primers as well, but most of the scrap yards won't. A full two pound plastic coffee jug will hold about 12 - 14 lbs. of primers.
I would guess almost any once-fired brass would be worth considerably more than $2.20 per pound; 9mm might be an exception, I don't know.
I sell only worn out or damaged brass and it's not worth the four-mile drive for me if I have under 100 lbs. The place I sell to buys used primers as well, but most of the scrap yards won't. A full two pound plastic coffee jug will hold about 12 - 14 lbs. of primers.
I would guess almost any once-fired brass would be worth considerably more than $2.20 per pound; 9mm might be an exception, I don't know.
You don't need someone to show you, just follow instruction in one of the manuals. I delayed reloading for a couple decades and one day I just started. If you are loading 38 and 357, it doesn't get much easier.
Nemo288
Member
I would get a reloading manual (or web site these days) from both the bullet and powder makers
to cross reference the actual loading data.
But as mentioned above, start by reading the how-to section of the printed books.
Most have very good instructions and explanations.
If you find this is right up your alley and want to really learn more get:
Mic McPherson's "Metallic Cartridge Handloading: Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge".
Still available in paperback.
I have been handloading for 40 years and have never really needed more than my Redding single stage press
as I am a revolver and lever/break action rifle guy.
Once I got started by my Elmer, I found that the whole scientific process was rewarding in it's own right
and the financial rewards, if any, were secondary to the satisfaction of creating one's own.
This includes the ability to make ammo with component combinations available no where else.
Try it. You'll like it!
to cross reference the actual loading data.
But as mentioned above, start by reading the how-to section of the printed books.
Most have very good instructions and explanations.
If you find this is right up your alley and want to really learn more get:
Mic McPherson's "Metallic Cartridge Handloading: Pursuit of the Perfect Cartridge".
Still available in paperback.
I have been handloading for 40 years and have never really needed more than my Redding single stage press
as I am a revolver and lever/break action rifle guy.
Once I got started by my Elmer, I found that the whole scientific process was rewarding in it's own right
and the financial rewards, if any, were secondary to the satisfaction of creating one's own.
This includes the ability to make ammo with component combinations available no where else.
Try it. You'll like it!
Attachments
I mis-read the SL price for new brass. 0.20 is correct.
I've been away so long from selling/buying brass that seems almost impossible, but sadly a reality now.
OP
Shoebox1.1
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How many times can handgun brass of this type be reloaded? 6-7 times? 10?
Nemo288
Member
Due to the number of variables involved I don't think there can be an exact answer to that.
I have loaded some 44 magnum cases about 10 times and have had 1 cracked neck.
I wasn't keeping track of times fired in those days.
I have never had a cracked neck in 44 special.
Some special cases may have been fired more than 10 times.
Some of the variables on the manufacturing side would be:
The exact alloy composition, how thick is the brass, how many times was it drawn
and annealed, and how carefully was it made.
Some variables you can contribute to:
The pressure of the loads fired, how much sizing is done, how much is the
mouth belled, and do you anneal?
Each time you fire and resize a case it gets a little harder.
Annealing the mouth softens it back up so it won't crack and is able to grip the bullet.
(Most do not anneal revolver cartridges)
Good condition 38 special brass should last practically forever using normal loads and gentle reloading practice.
That's what I find in the 44 special.
Given the price and availability of 38 special brass, if you do get a cracked case just scrap it out.
Here is a nice little introduction to handloading that was a free insert in Handloader magazine.
LOTS of cool pictures.
It's too big to post here directly.
https://uniquetek.com/store/696296/uploaded/Ammo_Reloading_Guide.pdf
If you get a security alert from your browser ignore it.
Their server's certificate has expired.
Worked fine here.
I have loaded some 44 magnum cases about 10 times and have had 1 cracked neck.
I wasn't keeping track of times fired in those days.
I have never had a cracked neck in 44 special.
Some special cases may have been fired more than 10 times.
Some of the variables on the manufacturing side would be:
The exact alloy composition, how thick is the brass, how many times was it drawn
and annealed, and how carefully was it made.
Some variables you can contribute to:
The pressure of the loads fired, how much sizing is done, how much is the
mouth belled, and do you anneal?
Each time you fire and resize a case it gets a little harder.
Annealing the mouth softens it back up so it won't crack and is able to grip the bullet.
(Most do not anneal revolver cartridges)
Good condition 38 special brass should last practically forever using normal loads and gentle reloading practice.
That's what I find in the 44 special.
Given the price and availability of 38 special brass, if you do get a cracked case just scrap it out.
Here is a nice little introduction to handloading that was a free insert in Handloader magazine.
LOTS of cool pictures.
It's too big to post here directly.
https://uniquetek.com/store/696296/uploaded/Ammo_Reloading_Guide.pdf
If you get a security alert from your browser ignore it.
Their server's certificate has expired.
Worked fine here.
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If you have enough of it you might just want to consider taking it to a local recycler. I pick up whatever brass I find in quantity at the ranges I shoot at . Since I reload for .38, .357 & .45acp I separate those and everything else goes into a 5 gallon pail .
I recently took in two 5 gallon pails full of brass shells and made just over $300 in cash . I usually fill 4 or 5 per year.
I recently took in two 5 gallon pails full of brass shells and made just over $300 in cash . I usually fill 4 or 5 per year.
Have no idea of how many times they've been reloaded, but I'm sure I have pistol round cases from the early/mid 80's that are still being used.
Our range wants everyone to clean up their brass. In years past there was always buckets full of brass for the taking. In the last few years with shortages of new brass and inflated prices the buckets are empty and there is no brass on the firing line. People keep it and reload it, or if they don't reload, they give it give it to friends that do.
Several of the public ranges here won't let you keep your brass because they reload it and sell it to people who shoot there....or just box it up and sell it as OFB.
