Blaster "Gold" -- Retrieving Cartridge Brass for Money

[GotRDid]

Recyclers around here won’t take fired brass for afraid of a live primer. I’ve called 3 or 4 and all tell me the same thing

I’ve always found that argument puzzling; given that most metal “shredding/crushing/compacting/smelting machines are remotely operated and with astonishingly tough construction, who/how would anyone be at risk with even the potential “detonation” of multiple rounds?
Educate me.

 

[divingin]

That is very cool.
You do have to get 177 lbs before you've paid for it.

That's like 3 x 3/4-full 5 gallon buckets around here. (Note: 3/4 full is because a full 5 gallon bucket is too damn heavy for me to lift.)

 

[K22]

I did it for years, free money!

I'd start in the spring and by winter I had several 5-gallon buckets full of brass. Hunting season was a bonanza! Depending on the success of my salvage efforts, I would often rake in (no pun intended) about $300 a season.

I can no longer do it because of my worsening spinal condition but if you are healthy enough, it's an effort well worthwhile in my experience.

 

[charlie b]

Our range has three people who patrol the ranges every day picking up brass. Two of them do commercial reloads, the third sells for scrap. Unless you show up right after a 'blaster' there are no brass cases to pick up.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

Our range has three people who patrol the ranges every day picking up brass. Two of them do commercial reloads, the third sells for scrap. Unless you show up right after a 'blaster' there are no brass cases to pick up.

I would say that’s a blessing for your range.

 

[charlie b]

Yep, I don't mind at all. I even trade with the reloaders. I give them compnents I don't use anymore and they look for brass I might want.

 

[FNSafari]

Ammo-Up 8-inch Mini Brass collector - Range Systems

The Brass mini™ Will pick up 9mm, 10mm, 40, 45 Auto, 38 Special, 367 SIG,308 (7.62mm), .223 (5.56mm) and much more. 8 inch pick up width Front wheel for maneuvering in tight areas Removable basket Maintenance free

www.range-systems.com

No more hands and knees.

Forum Boss: That unit looks amazing, but it's $399.00.

Here is a simpler unit for $54.99: Caldwell Brass Retriever

View attachment 1700685

These work on a concrete pad but not so much on dirt. Nifty unit though.

 

[Rwfish]

$400. ???... would not work well on loose pebble rich dirt and weed debris I would think. Even those nut cage rollers struggle to collect decently. My two hands both working in concert are the best method for me, like a well oiled machine.

A hand Pecan harvester is basically the same and can be had for 50 bucks….

 

[bsekf]

Most primers are steel, would a strong magnet work?

 

[bobm]

Most primers are steel, would a strong magnet work?

You are incorrect. Total brass construction on most all modern primers. I occasionally pull out shot shell caps with a magnet, though.