Factory or Reload

[tonoffish]

How can I tell if my 9mm ammunition is "factory-new" or a reload? Are there retractor marks on used brass, or what?

 

[rcmodel]

Well, if a very good reloader did it, it would be very hard to tell the differance.

Usually though, there are small extractor & ejector marks on the rims from the gun it was fired in.

You might have to hire Gil Grissom to help you see it on some brass though.

rcmodel

 

[The Bushmaster]

Some brass will show compression mark or ring near the base at the web.

 

[tonoffish]

Thanks. I'm a "newby" at hand-gunning. I saw what seemed like a good FTF deal on some ammo, but the seller said most rounds were in a bulk container. It occurred to me that I had no way of knowing whether it's factory ammo, or reloaded by some fly-by-night, other than the word of the unknown seller. I passed on meeting up, but thought of reconsidering.

 

[Shoney]

Grissom would also test the evidenced GSR with factory GSR.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Shoney...In case you didn't know it...Grissom is gone. I know because I have to watch it with my wife or go on line and bother you...

 

[rcmodel]

I would be very suspect of any bulk "factory" ammo.
Except for some military surplus rifle ammo, and it would likely have crimped-in primers from the factory loading.

Factory ammo comes packaged in boxes, and is sold in boxes.

Unless termites ate the boxes.

rcmodel

 

[MMCSRET]

Cabelas and Sportsmans Guide both sell bulk packed new ammo in there catalogs.

 

[rcmodel]

Yes, but it is clearly marked on the containers what it is and where it came from.

Like I said, Factory ammo comes packaged in boxes.
Even if the box is a Cabala's or Sportsmans Guide plastic ammo can.

rcmodel