What is Remanufactured Ammo?
Remanufactured ammunition is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly option for shooters looking to train or hit the range more often. At Ammunition Depot, we stock rigorously inspected and tested remanufactured ammo that performs reliably while helping you save.
Unlike reloaded ammo made at home, remanufactured ammunition is produced by licensed manufacturers using once-fired brass casings that are reprocessed, resized, cleaned, and reassembled with new primers, powder, and projectiles.
The result is a round that closely replicates factory performance at a fraction of the cost.
First introduced in the mid-20th century, remanufactured ammunition emerged as a practical solution for shooters seeking to reuse spent brass casings while reducing the cost of purchasing new factory-loaded rounds.
Originally embraced by handloading hobbyists and competitive shooters, reman ammo quickly gained traction within the broader firearms community as manufacturers developed industrial-grade processes to ensure consistency and safety.
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 300 Blackout 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 vs. Factory New Ammo
For shooters comparing remanufactured ammo vs. factory new ammunition, the difference is often far smaller than expected—especially when purchasing from reputable sources.
In most cases, a high-quality remanufactured round is nearly indistinguishable from a new factory-loaded round in terms of performance, accuracy, and reliability.
Performance & Quality
Thanks to advancements in machinery, inspection processes, and component quality, modern remanufactured ammo can closely match the standards of factory new ammunition.
Reputable remanufacturers use once-fired brass that is thoroughly cleaned, resized, and rebuilt using new primers, powder, and projectiles. With proper equipment and adherence to SAAMI specifications, many reman rounds perform on par with factory ammo at the range or in training environments.
What to Watch Out For
Not all remanufactured ammo is created equal. Some operations cut corners or fail to meet federal safety and quality standards. Avoid ammunition from sources that claim to be “losing their license” or offering extreme discounts without transparency.
These may be signs of non-compliance with OSHA regulations, liability requirements, or environmental protocols—all of which are required by licensed manufacturers.
Regulation and Oversight
The ammunition industry is highly regulated at both the state and federal level.
Legitimate remanufacturers must hold proper federal manufacturing licenses, carry liability insurance, and undergo routine inspections. They’re also required to comply with OSHA standards and sometimes even local fire and police ordinances due to the handling of primers, powders, and metal components.
Scale Doesn’t Equal Quality
The difference between a remanufacturing shop and a large-scale ammo factory often comes down to employee count, equipment sophistication, and brand recognition—not necessarily the quality of the final product.
A reliable remanufacturer using modern technology and strict QC protocols can produce ammo that rivals or even exceeds low-end factory new offerings.
Benefits of Using Remanufactured Ammunition
When it comes to high-volume shooting, training, or recreational range time, remanufactured ammunition offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative to factory new rounds.
Built using reprocessed brass and brand-new components, reman ammo provides excellent accuracy and performance—often at a fraction of the price.
Eco-Friendly and Economical
Because remanufactured ammo utilizes recycled brass, it significantly reduces the environmental impact associated with raw material extraction and waste. At the same time, it offers budget-conscious shooters a way to enjoy longer range sessions, participate in competitions, or train more frequently—without sacrificing quality or consistency.
Performance You Can Trust
Modern remanufactured ammo is SAAMI-spec compliant and thoroughly inspected using case gauging, chamber checks, and pressure testing. It’s trusted by law enforcement agencies, firearms instructors, and competition shooters who need reliable function and consistent accuracy.
Available in Popular Calibers
Available in both pistol and rifle calibers, remanufactured ammunition covers all the most popular handgun and rifle rounds, making it an ideal choice for high-volume shooters. Whether you're training or target shooting, reman ammo delivers range-ready performance at a competitive price.
Popular Calibers Include:
Remanufactured Ammo FAQs
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.