How to Distinguish Between Aluminum Ammunition Shells & Nickel-Plated Brass Shells

Proper identification of spent ammunition casings is important for safe reloading. While regular brass and nickel-plated brass cases are safe to reload, ammunition made with economical, yet non-reloadable, aluminum casings is widely available on the market. Brass casings have a yellow metal color, while nickel and aluminum are both white metals and could possibly be confused with each other. Fortunately, there are both visual and physical characteristics that make it possible to easily differentiate between aluminum and nickel-plated brass.

Things You'll Need

  • Aluminum and brass shell casing of the same caliber
  • Powder scale (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visually inspect the cartridges. Aluminum shell casings will typically have a dull, brushed finish. Nickel-plated brass will be smooth and shiny.

    • 2

      Weigh a standard brass shell casing with a powder scale. If you do not have access to a powder scale, judge the weight by holding one or more shell casings in your hand.

    • 3

      Weigh or hold the unknown shell casings and compare the weight to that of the brass casing. Brass weighs approximately three times as much as aluminum and the casings will be significantly lighter if they are made of aluminum.