What is the Scrap Value for Brass Shells?

It is common to see scrap brass shells casings on the ground, but many people are unaware of the potential recycling value of brass shells. The life of each brass casing evolves from a brass coil that is made from a combination of zinc and copper. The process to recycle brass shells discovers metal shell housings with low degrees of aluminum and manganese bronze.

The brass shell casing is recyclable and can be reused several times. When recycling scrap brass shells casings, recycling centers like Interco ensure the reuse of 90% of the metal.

Manufacturers produce large amounts of scrap brass shells. While where to recycle scrap brass cartridges can seem challenging, Interco buys brass shells and other scrap metal to perform a reuse process.

The Scrap Value for Brass Shells

Whether a firing range, gun store, ammunition manufacturer, or government entity, the process to recycle and reuse brass shells, casings, and range lead can earn a business extra money on scrap metal.

Each cartridge casing begins its life as a brass “coil” formed when copper and zinc, along with a few trace elements, combine to form brass. Scrap brass shells are the most popular type of recycled ammunition. Their popularity derives from the shell casings’ durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of reloading.

All types of brass can be scrapped, but those that are clean have a higher value. The brass casing is recyclable, so after a round has been fired at the range, this portion can enter the recycling process.

Generally, recycled ammunition develops into new ammunition. In fact, brass casings can be reused a few times.

Several recyclers and manufacturers assume that ammunition cannot be recycled, however, the material is fully recyclable. Consequently, the issue is finding an association with the resources and equipment to adequately recycle brass shells.

Interco recycles spent brass shells and cartridges, indoor/outdoor range lead, demilled military ordnance, tactical munitions, and artillery shells.

Numerous associations – including the military, gun stores, and ammunition manufacturers – face the issue of how to manage undesirable or lapsed ammunition.

Recycle Brass Shells

Ammunition must be inert to enter the recycling process. Any live cartridges cannot go through the recycling process for safety reasons. The recycling process begins once recyclers sort the material. Brass shells are important to collect and recycle, though easy to do. The process to recycle brass shells starts by knowing the parts of the material:

• The projectile
• Packaging
• Black powder
• The groundwork

The Recycling Process

Shell alloys usually contain brass, aluminum, or steel. Occasionally, brass shells comprise of chrome, nickel, silver, or even gold. After sorting the brass shells, the recycling process then proceeds with the following:

1. Removing the shell.
2. Shells “pop” in a high-temperature kiln.
3. A quality control supervisor verifies the shells are ready to proceed.
4. The shells enter a cleaning process to remove as much lead and dirt as possible.
5. Inspectors then run clean-and-popped shells through a shaker table.
6. Next, a hammer mill or shredder takes the shells and deforms them into smaller pieces. Aggregator machines take these pieces and load them for transportation.
7. Finally, the shells are taken to a brass mill. Brass shells are then melted, combined, and mixed with metallic elements to achieve a specific blend.

To finish the recycling process, brass shells are then formed into rod or ingot. Consequently, Interco purchases scrap brass cartridges across the United States.

Established in 1996, Interco has grown to prominence as one of the most reputable recyclers of nonferrous scrap in the United States. The company is experiencing significant market position growth due to several factors that suggest steady acceleration for years to come. In addition, Interco buys components, whole units, peripherals, batteries and boards, and precious metal anywhere in North America for recycling.

Highest Value for Scrap Ammunition with Interco

Scrap brass shell casings are the most popular type of recycled ammunition. Their popularity derives from the shell casings’ durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of reloading. Interco will work with you to fulfill any of your ammunition recycling needs. Also, Interco purchases components, whole units, peripherals, batteries and boards, and precious metal anywhere in North America for recycling. The company continues to lead the way in terms of innovative industrial recycling solutions. The team at Interco offers delivery, pickup, full truckload, and LTL services. Click here to learn more about Interco’s services.