Processed FFE (free from explosives) ammunition weights
Correct as of 01/06/26
7.62
The weight of an empty, unprimed 7.62mm cartridge case varies by type but generally falls between 5.2 to 9.7 grams (80 to 150 grains). The measurement refers to the empty brass case, with the spent primer removed.
The measurements encompass several distinct cartridge types:
| Cartridge Type | Empty Case Weight (Grains) | Empty Case Weight (Grams) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62x51mm NATO | 125 – 140 gr | 8.1 – 9.1 g | M80 Ball, M118 LR |
| 7.62x39mm | 100 – 120 gr | 6.5 – 7.8 g | AK-47, SKS |
| 7.62x54R | 140 – 150 gr | 9.0 – 9.7 g | Mosin-Nagant, PKM |
The weight of a 7.62mm projectile (excluding casing and propellant) typically ranges from 8 to 13 grams (123 to 200 grains).
There are several projectile types:
| Cartridge Type | Variant | Projectile Weight (Grams) | Projectile Weight (Grains) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.62x39mm | Standard (PS) — e.g. AK-47 | 7.9 g | 123 gr |
| 7.62x51mm NATO | Standard Ball — e.g. M80 | 9.4 – 9.6 g | 146 – 149 gr |
| 7.62x54mmR | Standard Light Ball | 9.6 g | 148 gr |
| 7.62x54mmR | Heavy Sniper Variant | 11.3 – 11.7 g | 174 – 181 gr |
Total loaded 7.62 cartridges (projectile + casing + propellant) range between 22 to 26 g (350 to 410 gr).
5.56
The weight of an empty, unprimed NATO 5.56x45mm cartridge case weighs approximately 6.2 to 6.4 grams (80 to 150 grains). The measurement refers to the empty brass case, with the spent primer removed.
The weight of a 5.56mm projectile (excluding casing and propellant) typically ranges from 3.5 to 4.5 grams (55 to 70 grains).
Total loaded 5.56 cartridges (projectile + casing + propellant) range between 11.5 to 12.3 g (177 to 190 gr).
(The US Army calculates residue weight for brass accountability at approximately 6.12 g per round.
9mm
The weight of an empty, unprimed 9mm cartridge case weighs approximately 3.8 to 4 grams (58 to 62 grains). The measurement refers to the empty brass case, with the spent primer removed.
The weight of a 9mm projectile (excluding casing and propellant) typically ranges from 7.45 to 9.53 grams (115 to 147 grains).
Total loaded 9mm NATO cartridges (projectile + casing + propellant) weigh around 8.04 g (124 gr).
Scrap metal prices
Global scrap ammunition scrap values rely heavily on base copper pricing on the London Metal Exchange (LME), which typically hovers around $8,000 – $9,500 per tonne, and zinc levels. Ammunition brass features a precise 70/30 copper-zinc ratio and commands good scrap value globally, though prices are subject to daily and regional market shifts. As a result, the scrap value tracks at roughly 60-80% of pure copper’s market value.
| Material | Price Per kg | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brass Shell Casings | £2.90 – £3.30 | — |
| Lead (Projectiles) | £1.05 – £1.20 | — |
| Copper | £6.50 – £8.40 | Solid copper munitions command higher rates due to soaring global copper valuations. |
Typical values based on London/UK averages at 01.06.26.
For example, processing 50,000 NATO 7.62x51mm rounds in the machine will produce around 425kg of brass, and 475kg of copper projectiles. The scrap from the machine is FFE (free from explosives) and can be sent straight for reprocessing.
