Everyone loves range therapy, whether you pursue it for the sheer enjoyment of burning brass or you use your range time to hone your skills for competition.
One thing we can all agree on is that, in this era of ammo shortages, we need to be not only more flexible but also more willing to take a deal where we can get it.
Which is where CCI Blazer ammunition comes in. Here’s what you need to know about both Blazer Brass and Blazer Aluminum ammunition.
Why Does Blazer Ammunition Represent Quality in Ammunition?
First introduced in 1981, CCI’s Blazer ammunition line is fully intended to deliver uncompromising reliability, accuracy, and overall quality to discerning shooters at a lower price.
Blazer ammunition is produced in two lines: CCI’s Blazer Brass and Blazer Aluminum, both of which offer exceptional reliability and quality.
CCI Blazer Brass
Blazer Brass ammunition is loaded to SAAMI specifications and is produced by ISO-certified systems. Blazer Brass is loaded into virgin brass cases and uses non-corrosive propellant and Boxer primers.
Blazer ammunition is also loaded with the same bullets that the facility uses in the production of high-quality, highly-regarded Speer ammunition. FMJ round nose, flat-nose, and hollow-point bullets are available in Blazer Brass, making it perfect for competition, self-defense, and hunting.
In Which Calibers Is CCI Blazer Brass Made?
CCI Blazer Brass produces a wide range of cartridges and calibers, including Blazer Brass 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .38 Spl, 10mm Auto, .380 Auto, and .45 ACP.
It offers uncompromisingly high quality and reliability at a competitive price.
Is CCI Blazer Brass Ammunition Reloadable?
CCI Blazer Brass ammunition is loaded into virgin brass cases and can be reloaded up to 5 times, depending on the condition of ammo after firing.
This is a big bonus for shooters that engage in reloading to help control load specs and keep costs down.
If you reload, Blazer Brass lets you have your cake and eat it too, delivering uncommon load quality and consistency topped off with high-quality reloadable virgin brass casings.
Will Blazer Brass Damage My Gun?
CCI Blazer Brass is a premium, SAAMI-certified ammunition line that will not damage your firearm. It also does not burn inherently dirtier than any other ammo, as it is loaded with corrosion-frere propellant and primers.
All in all, Blazer Brass ammo is a premium quality ammunition line that doesn’t command premium quality costs.
About CCI Blazer Aluminum
In addition to CCI Blazer Brass, CCI also produces a separate Blazer ammunition line, Blazer Aluminum.
Blazer Aluminum was introduced after Blazer Brass but was intended to deliver on the same selling points.
It was intended as a low-cost alternative to other ammo loads and uses heat-treated aircraft-grade aluminum casings loaded with non-corrosive propellants and Berdan primers.
They are produced in the same facility that produces Blazer Brass ammo and exhibit high quality and reliability.
CCI, in its Blazer Aluminum line delivers even greater cost savings. It was determined at one time that a large portion of their customer base did not engage in reloading, so CCI began to develop an aluminum-cased alternative that would be even more affordable.
All in all, Blazer Aluminum is an excellent choice if you do a lot of high volume shooting and need to keep costs down.
In Which Calibers Is CCI Blazer Aluminum Made?
CCI Blazer Aluminum is manufactured in many of the same calibers and cartridges as Blazer Brass, including but not limited to 9mm Luger, .38 Spl, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Full and total metal jacket Blazer Aluminum bullets are available, making these a great choice for high-volume target shooting at a low cost.
Is CCI Blazer Aluminum Ammo Reloadable?
The one catch to shooting CCI Blazer Aluminum ammo is that it is not reloadable. Aluminum doesn’t handle the stresses of firing in the same manner as brass casings, so you can’t reload them.
This isn’t a big deal if you don’t reload though. Just sweep up your casings and toss them into the range can, when you’re through with your range therapy session.
Will CCI Blazer Aluminum Ammunition Damage My Gun?
CCI Blazer Aluminum ammo will not damage your gun. It is made from aircraft grade aluminum and exhibits exceptionally high quality.
Brass is both harder and stronger than aluminum, so if any of you are worried about the casings scratching your chamber, you have nothing to worry about.
Some might report that Blazer Aluminum shoots dirtier than Blazer Brass. This is unlikely but if it is the case it is probably due to the different mechanical properties of aluminum.
On firing, if the aluminum casing doesn’t expand perfectly to fit the chamber walls, some fouling might get around it and spray over the inside of the action.
Just be conscientious about keeping your gun clean and you should never have a problem.
Who Should Shoot CCI Blazer Aluminum 9mm?
Basically, anyone that appreciates the SAAMI-certified, ISO-guaranteed quality of Blazer Brass ammunition but wants to enjoy it on a more cost-effective basis.
Blazer Aluminum is more affordable than Blazer Brass and is available in similar calibers. The only differences are that you can’t reload it and it costs less.
High-volume shooters and plinksters that shoot guns in the calibers mentioned above and don’t reload, take note of CCI Blazer Aluminum 9mm.
Where Is CCI Blazer Ammunition Made?
Both CCI Blazer Brass and Blazer Aluminum lines are produced in a plant in Idaho along the Snake River. This plant is owned by Vista Outdoors (AKA Alliant Techsystems, or ATK), and is the same plant that produces Speer ammunition that is widely used by law enforcement professionals.
Both lines are excellent options for shooters looking for high-volume, low-cost reliability, and Blazer Brass ammo can even be reloaded.
You can get both here in a wide range of different calibers. Take a look through our collection of Blazer ammo via the links embedded in this article.