About Remanufactured Ammunition
Often called Reloaded ammo, remanufactured ammunition is assembled from used shell casings after a bullet has been fired.
*The casing, which is the metal part that holds the bullet, powder, and primer, is often still in good shape.
Instead of making a completely new bullet, manufacturers clean these casings, inspect them for quality and safety, and then reload them with new gunpowder, a primer, and a bullet.
Remanufactured ammunition is a popular choice for many firearm owners due to its low-cost and environmental advantages.
Because it utilizes existing casings, it is generally more affordable than purchasing new ammo.
Popular Remanufactured Ammo Calibers
Some of the most popular remanufactured calibers include:
- Remanufactured 9mm Ammo
- Used for personal defense and law enforcement training - Remanufactured 223 Remington and 5.56 NATO Ammo
- Used sport shooting and tactical training) - Remanufactured 308 Winchester Ammo
- Used by hunters and long-range shooters
Other popular remanufactured calibers include:
- REMAN .45 ACP Ammo
- REMAN .40 S&W Ammo
- REMAN 7.62x39mm Ammo
Remanufactured vs. Reloaded Ammunition
While remanufactured and reloaded ammunition both involve repurposing bullet casings, there are key differences, mainly in how and by whom they are made.
Remanufactured Ammunition
Remanufactured ammo is produced by companies that utilize specialized equipment to reload used casing.
Due to strict industry standards in quality control, it often has a consistency closer to new ammo and is sold commercially at a price point between reloaded and brand-new ammunition.
Reloaded Ammunition
Reloaded ammunition is produced by individuals (such as firearm enthusiasts and hunters) or small-scale operations to save money.
While reloaded ammo has the benefit of being customized to fit the shooter's specific needs, it also lacks the oversight of the commercial remanufacturing industry and is not sold on a large scale due to variations in quality.
Key Takeaways
The main difference between remanufactured and reloaded ammunition is production and quality control. Remanufactured ammo, made by companies, is more reliable due to strict quality checks.
Reloaded ammo, often made by individuals, offers customization but less consistency in quality.
While both are used mainly for practice or training, new ammunition is preferred for self-defense or hunting because it is consistent and reliable. Choose based on your use and the importance of consistency versus customization.
*Always check your firearm's warranty and manufacturer recommendations before using remanufactured ammunition to ensure you're making a safe choice.
Remanufactured Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is remanufactured ammunition?
ANSWER: Remanufactured ammo consists of used shell casings that have been professionally reprocessed by companies with new primers, powder, and bullets. It undergoes quality control to ensure reliability and safety.
QUESTION: What does REMAN mean?
ANSWER: REMAN is a common term for reloaded ammunition, which means fired brass reloaded to SAAMI specifications.
QUESTION: How does reloaded ammo differ from remanufactured ammo?
ANSWER: Reloaded ammo is typically made by individuals or small-scale operations, focusing on customization. Ammo reloads generally undergo a different quality control than remanufactured ammo, leading to more variations in quality.
QUESTION: Can using remanufactured ammo void my gun's warranty?
ANSWER: Possibly. Some firearm manufacturers specify that using remanufactured ammo can void the warranty. Always verify with your gun's manufacturer before using these types of ammo.
QUESTION: Can any firearm use remanufactured ammunition?
ANSWER: While many firearms can safely fire remanufactured ammo, it's crucial to consult your firearm's manufacturer or manual as some may advise against it, potentially due to warranty considerations.
QUESTION: Is remanufactured or reloaded ammunition safe to use?
ANSWER: Yes, both types are safe for use. However, due to commercial quality control standards, remanufactured ammunition is generally more consistent and reliable.
QUESTION: Do ranges allow the use of remanufactured or reloaded ammo?
ANSWER: That depends on the range's policy. Some may not allow reloaded ammo due to safety concerns, while remanufactured ammo might be acceptable. Always check with the range before bringing either type of ammo.
QUESTION: Is there a cost benefit to using remanufactured or reloaded ammo?
ANSWER: Yes, both ammo types are often cheaper than new ammunition, making them popular choices for practice shooting and training where high volumes of ammo are used.
QUESTION: Can I buy remanufactured ammo?
ANSWER: Yes, remanufactured ammunition is widely available from various companies specializing in this process, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to new ammo.