Update on the Surplus Brass Case Ban

I have seen a variety of posts and e-mails regarding the destruction of surplus brass cases, an effective ban on reloading components from the Department of Defense.  Some of the Internet posters claim that no such ban is in effect, or that the ban only applies to shipments overseas.

Let me make it very clear.  The Department of Defense contracts all surplus sales to a company called Government Liquidation, LLC. Government Liquidation was told to immediately require that all fired munitions cases, including small arms brass cases in .223, 9mm, .308, and .50 BMG, be mutilated or rendered unusable upon sale.  In fact, Government Liquidation is required to ensure mutilation of all brass cases recently sold, or that are under a term contract.

Here is the e-mail notice that Government Liquidation sent out (emphasis added):

Dear Customer,

Please take a moment to note important changes set forth by the Defense Logistics Agency.

Recently it has been determined that fired munitions of all calibers, shapes and sizes have been designated to be demil code B. As a result and in conjunction with DLA’s current demil code B policy, this notice will serve as official notification which requires Scrap Venture (SV) to implement mutilation as a condition of sale for all sales of fired munitions effective immediately. This notice also requires SV to immediately cease delivery of any fired munitions that have been recently sold or on active term contracts, unless the material has been mutilated prior to sale or SV personnel can attest to the mutilation after delivery. A certificate of destruction is required in either case.

We hope this information has been helpful; feel free to contact us if you require additional assistance and have a great day!

Regards,

Customer Service Department
Government Liquidation, LLC
DOD Surplus, LLC
15051 N. Kierland Blvd, Ste 300
Scottsdale, AZ  85254
Ph:  480.367.1300
Fax: 480.367.1450

This e-mail is very clear.  No useable brass cases will be sold to the public.  This means that companies like Georgia Arms will no longer have a supply of once-fired brass to produce remanufactured ammunition for the public and law enforcement agencies.

Since the DoD is no longer a source for components, there will be greater demand and higher prices for the existing supply of brass.  Additionally, since the supply of brass is relatively fixed, there will be greater demand on the existing stocks and manufacture of ammunition.  This means already high prices could shoot through the roof.

And, as I already discussed, the administration can also cut back on the importation of foreign made ammunition, or eliminate its import entirely.

Ammunition is expensive, and it will only get worse from here.