You’re sitting on a bucket of old brass shells, wondering if it’s worth hauling them to the scrapyard. Maybe you’re cleaning out a garage, or you just finished a busy season at the range. Either way, you want a fair price—and you don’t want to get shortchanged. Here’s what you need to know to get the most from your scrap brass shells in Canada.
Scrap brass shells in Canada currently sell for CAD 2.50 to CAD 3.50 per pound, with clean, sorted shells fetching the highest price. Dirty or mixed shells usually land at the lower end of that range, while sorted or bulk lots can go higher
Right now, most scrapyards are paying between $2.50 and $3.50 per pound for brass shells. If your brass is clean—meaning no steel, plastic, or live primers—you’ll get the best rate. In some cities or for sorted calibers, prices can reach $3.75 or even $5.00 per pound, but that’s less common and usually tied to bulk deals or special demand
What Are Scrap Brass Shells?
They’re empty bullet or artillery casings, mostly made of yellow brass.
If you’ve ever shot at a range or picked up after someone who did, you’ve seen them lying on the ground golden, shiny, and heavier than they look.
Most people toss them. But they’re worth money.
What Affects the Price of Scrap Brass Shells?
Brass shell prices swing with the market—think of them like a seesaw. The main drivers are copper prices, global demand, condition of your brass, and your location in Canada
- Copper and Zinc Prices:Â Brass is mostly copper. When copper prices rise, so does brass. If copper drops, brass follows.
- Cleanliness:Â Clean shells (no residue, no steel, no plastic) pay more. Dirty shells can lose you up to $1 per pound.
- Quantity: Selling in bulk? You might get a bump in price. Small batches usually get the yard’s base rate.
- Region:Â Urban scrapyards in Ontario or BC often pay more than rural yards, thanks to higher demand and more competition.
- Market Demand:Â When manufacturers need more brass, prices can jump. If demand drops, so do payouts.
How Can You Get the Best Price for Brass Shells?
Sort your shells, clean them up, and call around before you sell. Bulk lots and clean brass always get the best rate
Here’s how to squeeze every dollar out of your haul:
- Separate brass by caliber if possible. Some buyers pay extra for sorted shells.
- Remove steel, plastic, or live primers—yards pay less for mixed or dirty loads.
- Check prices at several scrapyards. Even a 20-minute drive can mean an extra $0.25 per pound.
- Look for special deals or bulk rates if you’ve got a big batch.
Suggested video: A short clip showing how to sort, clean, and prep brass shells for recycling.
Why Is Brass Shell Recycling Important?
Brass shell recycling saves energy, reduces mining, and puts cash in your pocket. Every pound you recycle keeps valuable metal in use and out of landfills
Brass shells are made from copper and zinc—both costly and energy-intensive to mine. Recycling brass uses less energy than making new metal, and it helps keep prices steady for everyone. Plus, recycling creates local jobs and keeps scrapyards busy.
Suggested image: Photo of a scrapyard with bins of sorted brass shells, showing the scale and value of recycling.
Quick Reference: Scrap Brass Shells Price Table
| Shell Type | Price Range (CAD/lb) |
|---|---|
| Clean Brass Shells | $3.00 – $3.50 |
| Dirty Brass Shells | $2.50 – $3.00 |
| Military Brass Shells | $2.75 – $3.25 |
| Deformed/Damaged Shells | $2.00 – $2.50 |
| Sorted by Caliber | $3.25 – $3.75 |
| Mixed Caliber Brass Shells | $2.50 – $3.00 |
Final Thoughts
If you’re holding onto scrap brass shells, now’s a good time to cash in. Prices are strong, especially if your brass is clean and sorted. A little prep work goes a long way—think of it like shining your shoes before a big interview. It’s the small details that put more money in your pocket.
Where Can You Sell Scrap Brass Shells in Canada?
You’ve got three main routes:
- Local Scrap Yards
Most major cities have licensed yards. Some accept ammo casings. Some don’t. Call first. - Gun Ranges & Clubs
Some ranges buy brass back in bulk. They know the value and may pay more. - Online Forums & Communities
Gun forums and metal recycling groups sometimes trade brass casings, especially if they’re sorted or polished.
Is It Legal to Sell Brass Shells?
Yes—if they’re fired, clean, and not live ammunition.
The shell must be spent (no primer, no powder). Selling live rounds without a license could land you in hot water.
Every province has rules. Most follow federal firearm laws. Always check with your local recycling center or scrap buyer if you’re unsure.
