What is Once Fired 9mm Brass?
The metallic glint of spent cartridge cases scattered on the range floor. For many shooters, these brass casings are simply discarded remnants of a satisfying day at the range. But for the discerning reloader, these cases represent something far more: opportunity. Specifically, the opportunity to significantly reduce ammunition costs, enhance the shooting experience, and even contribute to a more sustainable practice. And at the heart of this opportunity lies once fired 9mm brass.
Reloading is the art of transforming these fired cases into functional ammunition. It’s a skill that combines precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the mechanics of firearms and ballistics. While the process can be initially daunting, the rewards are substantial, particularly when using once fired 9mm brass. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know, from understanding what it is, to how to safely and effectively utilize it.
The Basics
The basic building block of any metallic cartridge is the brass case itself. This sturdy, malleable piece is designed to contain the primer, propellant, and bullet. When a 9mm cartridge is fired, the primer ignites the powder, generating high-pressure gases that propel the bullet down the barrel. This process causes the brass case to expand and conform to the chamber of the firearm. After firing, the brass case is ejected, often landing on the ground.
The term “once fired” refers to brass that has been fired only once and then collected. This contrasts with “range brass,” which may have been fired multiple times, and possibly reloaded repeatedly. The appeal of once fired 9mm brass lies in its pristine condition and generally favorable characteristics for reloading. Brass that has only been fired once usually retains its original integrity and is less likely to be damaged or worn. The more times brass is fired and reloaded, the more it stretches, weakens, and becomes prone to defects like cracks or splits.
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) is one of the most popular handgun cartridges in the world. Its widespread use means a readily available supply of once fired 9mm brass for reloaders to source.
The Benefits of Using Once Fired 9mm Brass
The advantages of using once fired 9mm brass are multifaceted, impacting both the shooter’s finances and the overall reloading experience.
Cost Savings
The most significant benefit is undoubtedly the cost savings. New brass can be expensive, representing a considerable portion of the overall ammunition cost. Purchasing once fired 9mm brass, however, significantly reduces this expense. Reloading with once-fired cases allows shooters to essentially “recycle” their brass, only needing to replenish the components (primers, powder, and bullets). This, in turn, can drastically lower the per-round cost of ammunition. The savings can be especially substantial for high-volume shooters or those who enjoy frequent range sessions.
Availability
The 9mm caliber’s immense popularity translates to an abundance of available once fired 9mm brass. It’s frequently found at shooting ranges, often in large quantities, making it a readily accessible resource for reloaders. This ease of access eliminates the need to constantly purchase new brass and contributes to a more sustainable shooting practice.
Environmental Considerations
Reloading, and the use of once fired 9mm brass, embodies an element of environmental consciousness. Instead of being discarded as waste, brass casings are repurposed. Reloading reduces the demand for new brass manufacturing, which can conserve resources and minimize waste. This small step contributes to a more environmentally responsible shooting lifestyle.
Potential Drawbacks of Once Fired 9mm Brass
While once fired 9mm brass presents numerous advantages, it’s essential to recognize its potential downsides.
Condition of the Brass
One of the primary concerns is the condition of the brass itself. While “once fired” implies a single firing, the cases may still be subject to wear and tear. Inspecting the cases is a crucial step. Common defects include:
- Dents and Dings: These can result from impact during ejection or handling.
- Cracks and Splits: Usually caused by overpressure, excessive wear, or weakened brass.
- Bulges: Can occur due to inconsistent chamber dimensions.
- Primer Pocket Issues: Corrosion, or other damage.
Any case exhibiting these or any other defects should be discarded. This inspection process adds time and effort to the reloading procedure, requiring a close visual check.
Sorting and Cleaning
Sourcing once fired 9mm brass often means acquiring a mixed batch of cases. This necessitates a sorting process to remove any non-9mm cases, debris, and defective cases. The brass then requires thorough cleaning. Cleaning is essential to remove residue from the firing process, such as carbon, unburnt powder, and other contaminants. While cleaning is part of the process, the time and effort needed is a major detractor to the process.
Unknown History
When purchasing once fired 9mm brass, you may not know its history. You might not know the brand of the brass, or the firearm it was fired in. It could have been fired in a firearm with a loose chamber. This necessitates careful inspection and adherence to conservative load data.
Where to Buy Once Fired 9mm Brass
Acquiring once fired 9mm brass is relatively straightforward, thanks to the widespread availability.
Reputable Suppliers
Several avenues exist to find once fired 9mm brass:
- Online Retailers: Many online retailers specialize in reloading supplies. These retailers typically offer a wide selection of brass and provide the convenience of online ordering and shipping.
- Local Gun Stores and Reloading Supply Shops: Local gun stores and reloading supply shops often stock once-fired brass. This option allows you to physically inspect the brass before purchase.
- Gun Shows: Gun shows are excellent places to find once-fired brass, often at competitive prices.
- Friends and Local Shooters: Many shooters don’t reload, and may give brass away.
When choosing a supplier, it’s essential to consider reputation, pricing, and shipping costs. Read reviews from other buyers to gain insight into the supplier’s quality and customer service.
Inspecting and Preparing Once Fired 9mm Brass
Thorough inspection and proper preparation are critical to ensuring safe and accurate reloading.
Inspection Process
Before any reloading step, inspect each piece of once fired 9mm brass carefully. Use a case gauge to assess its dimensions. Cases must be checked for the following:
- Visual Inspection: Look for any obvious defects like dents, bulges, cracks, or corrosion.
- Primer Pocket Check: Primer pockets should be inspected to ensure they’re free of damage or corrosion. They must also be the proper size and shape.
- Case Gauge: Ensure that the case will chamber in your firearm.
Any case that fails to meet these standards should be discarded.
Cleaning Methods
Cleaning once fired 9mm brass removes residue and prepares the cases for resizing and reloading. Popular methods include:
- Tumbling: This uses a rotary tumbler with a media (e.g., corn cob or walnut shells) and a cleaning solution. Tumbling removes dirt and debris.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning: Uses sound waves to clean the cases. It’s particularly effective at removing dirt and grime from the interior and exterior.
The chosen method should be suited to the level of cleaning required, and the type of finish wanted.
Primer Pocket Cleanup
After cleaning, the primer pockets often need to be cleaned and reamed or swaged to remove the remaining primer residue and any crimps, if present.
Resizing and Trimming
Resizing brings the case back to the correct dimensions after firing. Resizing is crucial to ensuring that the loaded round chambers and extracts reliably. Trimming can restore consistency to the case length, which helps maintain accuracy and consistency.
Reloading Once Fired 9mm Brass
After preparing the brass, the reloading process can begin.
Step-by-step Reloading Process
- Priming: Insert a new primer into the primer pocket. This can be done manually or with a dedicated priming tool on a reloading press.
- Powder Charging: Carefully measure and dispense the correct amount of powder into each case.
- Bullet Seating: Seat the bullet in the case to the correct depth, according to the reloading manual.
- Crimping: Apply a crimp to the case mouth to secure the bullet in place.
Load Data Considerations
Always consult a reputable reloading manual and adhere strictly to the recommended load data. This information includes the correct powder charges, bullet types, and overall cartridge lengths. Start with the minimum load data to ensure safety and gradually work your way up, while monitoring for signs of excessive pressure.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Reloading is a potentially dangerous activity if safety protocols are not followed diligently. Always take the following precautions:
- Wear Safety Glasses: Eye protection is non-negotiable.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment: Wear ear protection to prevent damage to your hearing.
- Inspect Brass Thoroughly: Every case should be inspected to avoid issues.
- Use the Correct Reloading Data: Be certain your information is correct.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Minimize exposure to powder fumes.
- Never Exceed the Maximum Load: Avoid dangerous overpressure situations.
- Clean Your Equipment Regularly: Keep your equipment in good working order.
- Store Loaded Ammunition Properly: Prevent unauthorized access.
Conclusion
Reloading with once fired 9mm brass offers significant advantages for the discerning shooter. By providing a cost-effective, environmentally conscious option, it allows shooters to enjoy their hobby more affordably. Careful inspection, cleaning, and a dedication to safety are essential to make the most of this resourceful material. Reloading once fired 9mm brass isn’t just a cost-saving measure; it is also a gateway to a deeper understanding of ammunition and ballistics.
By choosing to reload with once fired 9mm brass, you unlock the potential to control your ammunition costs while embracing a more sustainable practice. So, explore, learn, and begin your reloading journey with this valuable resource.
