Texas, known for its vast land, strong economy, and gun culture, is one of the largest markets in the United States for ammunition and firearm-related activities. With numerous shooting ranges, hunting grounds, and military facilities spread across the state, the volume of spent brass shell casings generated is significant. For those involved in recycling or looking to sell brass shells scrap, understanding the brass shells scrap prices in Texas is essential for getting the best value.
What Are Brass Shells Scrap?
Brass shell scrap refers to the used casings from bullets, primarily made from brass, a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc. These casings are left behind after ammunition is fired and are commonly collected from:
Public and private shooting ranges
Hunting lands
Law enforcement training grounds
Military installations
Private gun owners and firearm clubs
Once collected, these spent casings are sold as scrap metal to recycling centers or metal buyers.
Why Brass Shells Have Value
Brass is a high-demand non-ferrous metal. It does not rust, is easy to recycle, and retains its quality even after repeated melting and reuse. The main reasons brass shell scrap is considered valuable include:
High copper content
Strong market demand in manufacturing and construction
Easy processing and resale
Environmental benefits of recycling versus mining raw metal
In Texas, where both the firearms and recycling industries are large, this makes brass shells a desirable commodity for scrap yards and metal recyclers.
Factors That Affect Brass Shell Scrap Prices in Texas
1. Copper and Zinc Market Trends
Brass prices are largely driven by the prices of its two main components—copper and zinc. As copper prices rise, brass shell prices generally increase as well. Global market conditions, mining outputs, and industrial demand all influence these base metal prices.
2. Cleanliness and Sorting
Clean, sorted, and de-primed brass shells command higher prices. Shells mixed with steel, plastic, or live rounds are often downgraded and sold at lower prices due to the extra processing required.
3. Local Demand
Texas has a large number of scrap yards and metal recyclers, especially in cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Prices can vary by location depending on supply, demand, and competition.
4. Quantity Being Sold
Larger quantities often attract better rates per pound. Bulk suppliers—such as gun ranges or military surplus collectors—are likely to receive preferred pricing compared to individual sellers.
5. Type of Brass Shells
Certain types of brass shells, especially those used in military-grade ammunition, may have slightly different pricing depending on their size and purity.
Average Brass Shells Scrap Prices in Texas (As of 2025)
Prices vary depending on condition and location, but general price ranges in Texas are:
Clean, sorted brass shells: $2.00 – $2.30 per pound
Mixed brass shells: $1.50 – $1.90 per pound
Dirty or steel-contaminated shells: $1.00 – $1.40 per pound
In high-demand urban markets like Houston and Dallas, top rates are often available for sellers who offer clean, bulk quantities. Meanwhile, smaller towns or rural areas may offer slightly lower rates due to transportation and processing costs.
Where to Sell Brass Shells Scrap in Texas
There are multiple options across Texas where brass shell casings can be sold:
1. Local Scrap Yards
Nearly every major city in Texas has multiple scrap yards that buy brass. Be sure to call ahead and confirm they accept brass shell casings, as some yards may have specific rules about ammunition-related materials.
2. Metal Recycling Centers
Facilities specializing in non-ferrous metals often pay competitive rates for clean, sorted brass.
3. Gun Ranges and Reloading Shops
Many shooting ranges and reloading businesses will buy spent brass, especially if the shells are sorted and de-primed.
4. Bulk Buyers and Dealers
Some dealers in Texas specialize in ammunition components and may buy in large quantities for resale or reloading purposes.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Because brass shells come from ammunition, safety and legality are critical when selling them:
Ensure all shells are fired and inert. Selling live rounds can be illegal and dangerous.
Some yards or buyers may require you to show ID or provide documentation, especially if selling in bulk.
Military casings may require additional inspection, particularly if they show any signs of being “live” or contain unusual primers.
Tips to Maximize Profits in Texas
Clean and Sort Your Brass: Separate brass from other materials. Use a magnet to check for steel or ferrous components.
De-prime When Possible: De-primed casings are more desirable for reloaders and some scrap yards.
Sell in Bulk: Try to accumulate larger quantities before selling to secure a better rate.
Know the Market: Call around to a few buyers in your area to compare prices before committing.
Store Properly: Keep brass shells dry and free from corrosion or dirt.
Environmental Impact and Benefits
Recycling brass helps reduce the need for mining raw copper and zinc, which are resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. In Texas, where environmental consciousness is growing even within industrial sectors, recycling brass contributes to more sustainable metal usage and keeps spent ammunition casings out of landfills.
Final Thoughts
For Texans with access to used brass shell casings—whether from personal use, professional facilities, or military surplus—there’s real opportunity in the scrap market. With consistent demand, especially in larger cities, sellers can turn used ammunition into steady income.
By staying informed on market prices, ensuring quality control, and choosing the right buyer, you can make the most of the brass shells scrap prices in Texas and contribute to the state’s robust recycling economy.
