Do not reload "IMT" or "AMMOLOAD" Marked 9mm Cases

[NH Photo Shooter]

They are easy to spot when reloading. Instead of the normal taper of the case wall thickness, , they have a very visible step 3/8" from the case mouth. I had one separate on me while shooting - only the case head up to the step ejected. The 3/8" from the mouth back stayed in the chamber. I was shooting a very light load in my Sig, so it was not a pressure issue. Fortunately the part still in the chamber was easy to remove (fell out when I stripped the pistol actually). But I didn't know it was going to be easy, so I was done with that gun for the day.

I did some Internet research, and found that I am not the only one that this has happened to. Apparently these cases are made in Turkey, and are also sometimes marked "AMMOLOAD". Same design, same problem.

One brand that uses these cases is Freedom Munitions.

I grabbed this photo from another forum, but it shows the inside of the case.

And, yes, I do mean IMT, not IMI.

[rhuff]

I had read about this particular brass on a reloading forum, but it is always good to have a reminder.....especially for me and my memory. I went to the shooting range last evening, and so was sorting brass today. To date, I have not run across any of this brass, but it pays to keep looking for it.

[sheepherder]

Can you post a pic of your cartridge, side view, before shooting? I get a lot of 'range pickups' from my LGS. It would be good to know NOT to buy/reload it.

[NH Photo Shooter]

Originally Posted by sheepherder

Can you post a pic of your cartridge, side view, before shooting? I get a lot of 'range pickups' from my LGS. It would be good to know NOT to buy/reload it.

Not sure what you're looking for. The loaded round doesn't look any different than any other 9mm ammo from the outside. The step is on the inside, as the photo I posted shows.

When picking up range brass, just look inside. Or do it while you're handloading. It's very easy to see that step on the inside. Can't miss it.

Don't buy any ammo headstamped IMT or AMMOLOAD if you intend to use the brass again. There may be other headstamps/brands from the same case manufacturer as well that I didn't find in my research. But one look inside a fired case, and you'll know the stuff right away.

[sheepherder]

Originally Posted by NH Photo Shooter

The step is on the inside, as the photo I posted shows...

So that's a case that didn't separate???

[NH Photo Shooter]

Originally Posted by sheepherder

So that's a case that didn't separate???

Correct. By the looks of it, I'd say it has never been reloaded after it initial commercial load was fired. It's pretty clean on the inside walls.

[noylj]

Note: they are a danger to reload because the case capacity is different.
You COULD reload them, but they would need a separate load work-up andwould need to be sorted out of normal 9x19 cases. Considering the cost of 9x19 cases, they SHOULD be thrown away. The risks are too great for a negligible gain.
The real thing to emphasize is "Inspect your cases, every time, inside and out."

[ithacaartist]

You meant "saved in the brass pile to be sold for scrap", right?