For firearms enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and hobbyists, reloading ammunition offers a cost-effective and customizable alternative to purchasing new factory rounds. Among the many components involved in reloading, brass casings play one of the most critical roles. One popular choice among reloaders is 9mm Once Fired Brass, which has earned a strong reputation for affordability, reliability, and performance. But what exactly does “once fired” mean, and why do so many reloaders prefer it?
Understanding Once Fired Brass
The term “once fired brass” refers to cartridge casings that have been used in a firearm and ejected only one time. After being fired, the casings are collected, sorted, and prepared for reloading. Unlike new brass, which comes directly from manufacturers, once fired brass has already gone through one cycle of use but remains structurally sound for multiple reloads.
It’s important to note that “once fired” doesn’t necessarily mean the brass was fired only once in practice—it simply means the brass is being resold as having been fired previously. Reliable suppliers often sort and inspect brass to ensure quality before making it available to reloaders.
Why Reloaders Prefer Once Fired Brass
Reloaders choose once fired brass for a number of reasons, ranging from economics to performance:
1. Cost Savings
The most obvious benefit is affordability. New brass can be expensive, especially for popular calibers like 9mm. By using once fired brass, reloaders can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing performance. This makes it especially attractive to frequent shooters, such as those in competitive sports or training programs.
2. Availability
9mm is one of the most common calibers in the world, making once fired brass widely available. Shooting ranges, law enforcement training facilities, and suppliers often have large quantities ready for purchase, ensuring reloaders can maintain a steady supply.
3. Durability and Longevity
Brass is a resilient material designed to withstand the pressures of firing. With proper inspection and preparation, once fired brass can be reloaded multiple times before it needs to be discarded. This extends the life cycle of each casing and maximizes value for the reloader.
4. Customization
Reloaders often prefer once fired brass because it allows them to fine-tune loads to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s adjusting powder levels for reduced recoil, creating precision loads for competition, or crafting rounds tailored to a particular firearm, once fired brass offers the flexibility that factory ammunition does not.
5. Environmental Benefits
Reusing brass also has environmental advantages. By recycling casings rather than discarding them, reloaders help reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new components.
Best Practices When Using Once Fired Brass
While once fired brass is reliable, it’s not without its considerations. Proper preparation and inspection are essential for safety and performance:
- Inspection: Always check for cracks, splits, or signs of excessive wear. Damaged brass should be discarded immediately.
- Cleaning: Use a tumbler or ultrasonic cleaner to remove carbon buildup, dirt, and debris.
- Sizing and De-priming: Ensure brass is resized to the proper dimensions and the spent primer is removed before reloading.
- Trimming: Check the case length and trim if necessary to meet specifications.
By following these steps, reloaders can maximize both the safety and lifespan of their brass.
Once fired brass offers an economical, practical, and sustainable option for shooters who reload their own ammunition. With the right preparation and handling, it provides nearly the same performance as new brass while delivering substantial savings and greater customization. For reloaders, it’s no surprise that 9mm Once Fired Brass remains a top choice for balancing affordability, reliability, and flexibility.
