CCI Blazer question.............

[Jim101]

One of the guys that works the local Range told me that you don't want to shoot CCI Blazers (any caliber) because the aluminum case does not expand, like brass and when the bullet fires gases go to the back of the gun. This can damage those parts of the gun.... Hope I explained this right, any ideas?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[dolanp]

Not sure what guns this would be a problem in but I have used aluminum Blazers and know of other people who have used them a lot and never heard anything like this. True the case is slightly weaker but you're only going to use them once, so utility for re-use is a non-issue. Maybe he just doesn't want to have to pick up your aluminum cases because he can't sell them off.

 

[cortez kid]

I don't like using CCI's because they aren't any cheaper than brass, which can be reloaded. Also they expand to the point where they don't extract very easily. The problem is that they don't return to size after fireing. I would also assume that your range guy doesn't want to pick them up "for free".
kid

 

[fletcher]

That doesn't seem quite right. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal (like brass), and has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than brass. Odds are also that the Brass ("Cartridge Brass", ~70/30 Cu/Ni) has a higher strength than the Aluminum. This all seems to indicate that the Aluminum would expand.

They're OK for shooting, but I hate ejecting them in the revolver, because as ^ said, they don't seem to shrink back down. It can be a pain to get those things out, they just stick in there.

 

[PowderBurn]

Just more evidence that guys that work at ranges don't necessarily know much about guns.

 

[Sunray]

"...your range guy doesn't want to pick them up..." He shouldn't have to either. The sad part is that lots of shooters think their mommy is with them to clean up after them. Mind you, he may be spouting this nonsense so he can gather up brass for free and sell it.
Anytime I've used Blazers, it never gave me any grief. It's not especially accurate, but it's safe to use and it works.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

BS. CCI blazer is about all I shoot at the range. Good stuff, and I have never had a problem with it.

 

[chaim]

"...your range guy doesn't want to pick them up..." He shouldn't have to either. The sad part is that lots of shooters think their mommy is with them to clean up after them.

Depends on the range. At the local outdoor ranges you police your own brass. However, at some of the indoor ranges I use they don't provide a broom or anything for you to pick them up (you only have your fingers). No big deal, you bring your own or use your fingers to pick them up if you reload. However, if you don't they will come gather the brass in order to sell it for reloading (one range will have a guy sweep it up even while you are still shooting so you better be quick to pick it up if you want to save it for reloading).

 

[.40-.45]

I shoot CCI alm alot NEVER a problem!!!

 

[GEM]

Baloney. 9mm Blazer is $3.84 in TX - a buck cheaper than anything else. I go through a lot of it, never a problem.

There should be an SAT test for 'range' experts.

 

[cortez kid]

I do have to agree that the shooter is responsible for his/her own casings. If it were policy that you leave them on the ground(for recycling by range) that's one thing. Brass builds up real fast. I've seen ranges with the stuff all over. Not pretty. Alway thought that sportsman were to leave it better than you found it.
kid

 

[Dave R]

I have had a few FTE's with Blazer ammo in guns that are reliable with other ammo, but not enough to stop me from buying it when its the cheapest plinking ammo available.

But that was 2 years or so ago. I haven't bought any Blazer since I started reloading.

 

[Jim101]

Thanks for all the replies, for range shooting I am going to continue to shoot CCI's.....I like them and haven't had any problems either..

Jim

 

[cortez kid]

Around here(Pa) the Blazers are just about the same price. If they were cheaper, I'm enough of a cheapskate to put up with the sticking problem, but they're not. Unfortunately I think that otherwise they're a pretty good rnd. Not dirty at all, but they stick really bad in my SBH. All other brass falls out ala Dirty Harry.
kid

 

[KriegHund]

Just dont reload them.

 

[Berg01]

One range that I know of won't allow Blazers because they don't want the aluminum hulls getting mixed up in the brass buckets. I have never had a problem with the regular Blazer, or the Blazer Brass, although I have never shot it in .38 spl. I really like the Blazer Brass in .40 S&W; my CZ 75B shoots it very well. I think its good stuff, relatively clean, and inexpensive.

 

[TimboKhan]

The CCI's are the same price as Wolf around here, and that is generally a dollar or two cheaper than anything else, save for American Eagle and some other brand that I can't remember very well. I have had no luck with the A. E. and that other brand, but I have been pleased with the CCI and the Wolf. As far as the accuracy issue, I have no complaints with the CCI. Its more than adequate, in my experience. By the way, I need to move to Texas apparently, because when I say its a dollar or two cheaper, I mean its usually about $5.50 per box.....

Timbo