CCI Blazer Brass

Like most handgunners, I’ve burned through a lot of low-cost CCI Blazer factory loads over the years. These shells are priced right, but the downside is you can’t reload the aluminum cases after firing. Aluminum cases were a key consideration in keeping Blazer ammunition prices down.

Now Blazer loads are available with brass cases that can be saved and reloaded. The cases have standard Boxer-type primers and primer pockets and can be reused just like any other cartridge case.

Blazer Brass centerfire ammunition is factory loaded with protected-base full-metal-jacketed (FMJ) bullets. CCI primers are used, along with American-made propellants. Loads are available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP calibers. The ammunition is loaded to SAAMI standards.

I haven’t yet tried reloading the new low-cost Blazer Brass cases, so I can’t personally report on their durability. The people at CCI tell me these cases can be loaded just like the brass cases that come with regular handgun ammunition. They’re supposed to last just as long. According to CCI, you should be able to get up to 20 reloads from each case if you use the proper care. Economy wasn’t gained by using substandard materials. Instead, CCI developed a new, more efficient way to manufacture the cases and hold costs down. Aluminum-cased Blazer ammunition is still available at even lower prices, but the difference is surprisingly small. Amazingly, both kinds of 9mm Blazer ammunition cost exactly the same. The retail price difference between aluminum- and brass-cased .40mm Blazer loads is just a buck for a 50-round box! Move up to .45 ACP, and you’ll pay $3 more for the good stuff.  No question but that handloaders will be money ahead buying the new Blazer Brass factory loads.

These loads give you the best of both possible worlds. You get budget-priced ammunition, along with quality, reloadable brass cases.

Blazer Brass pistol ammunition is available at sporting goods stores nationwide. To learn more, contact ATK Ammunition, Dept. HL, 900 Ehlen Drive, Anoka MN 55303; call toll-free: 1-800-322-2342; or you can visit online at: www.cci-ammunition.com.