.40 S&W Once-Fired Brass for Reloading
Whether you’re loading ammunition for the range, competition, routine practice, or personal-defense training, .40 S&W once-fired brass offers an economical way to keep your reloading bench supplied. Also commonly known as 40 S&W or .40 Smith & Wesson, this centerfire handgun cartridge has remained a popular choice among reloaders since its introduction in 1990. Its widespread use has made previously fired brass readily available as an economical alternative to purchasing new cartridge cases.
This page represents multiple .40 S&W brass products for different reloading needs. Depending on the individual product selected, options may include dirty brass, washed and polished brass, or nickel-plated brass. Please review each individual Product Title and Short Description for the exact condition, processing level, finish, and package size before ordering.
Product Summary
US Reloading Supply offers several .40 S&W brass options to accommodate different reloading preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer to perform your own cleaning and case preparation or begin with washed and polished cases, you may find options suited to a variety of workflows.
Each product is sorted and inspected before packaging, but the level of processing varies by SKU. Unless otherwise stated, these products consist of previously fired cartridge cases that have been sorted and inspected. Additional processing varies by individual product, and all remaining case preparation—including depriming, resizing, primer-pocket preparation, trimming when necessary, and final inspection—remains the responsibility of the reloader.
For additional information about our brass grading standards, processing methods, and what to expect when purchasing previously fired cartridge cases, please visit our Brass Information page.
Common Uses
The .40 S&W is commonly reloaded for:
- Recreational target shooting
- Training and practice
- Action pistol and practical shooting competitions
- Personal-defense practice ammunition
- Maintaining an economical ammunition supply for frequently used firearms
Its widespread availability, straight-wall case design, and broad selection of reloading components continue to make the .40 S&W a practical cartridge for reloaders of varying experience levels.
Quality Standards & Processing
US Reloading Supply sorts and inspects .40 S&W brass to remove common unwanted materials before packaging. Depending on the individual product selected, cases may be offered dirty, washed and polished, or with a nickel-plated finish. Because this page represents multiple products, the individual Product Title and Short Description control the exact processing level and finish for each option.
Mixed headstamps are common unless otherwise stated. Cosmetic wear, normal firing marks, tarnish, or discoloration are typical characteristics of previously used cartridge cases and do not necessarily affect reloadability when proper inspection and case preparation are performed.
Most once-fired brass orders include approximately 2–3% additional brass to help offset occasional unusable cases and ensure customers receive at least the quantity ordered.
Technical Specifications
| Official Cartridge Designation | 40 Smith & Wesson |
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| Common Names | .40 S&W, 40 S&W, .40 Smith & Wesson |
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| Cartridge Type | Rimless, straight-wall centerfire pistol cartridge |
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| Nominal Bullet Diameter | 0.400 in |
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| Maximum Case Length | 0.850 in |
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| Maximum Overall Length | 1.135 in |
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| Primer Type | Small pistol |
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| Technical Reference | View the SAAMI .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge and chamber drawing |
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Reloading Notes
Every case should be inspected before reloading. Check for damaged case mouths, cracks, excessive corrosion, loose primer pockets, and any other condition that could affect safe use.
Many reloaders sort mixed-headstamp brass by manufacturer when greater consistency is desired. Others use mixed lots for routine practice and recreational shooting. The appropriate approach depends on the intended application and the reloader’s established procedures.
Pay particular attention to the lower portion of each .40 S&W case during inspection. Cases showing excessive bulging, deformation, damage, or other defects should be removed from the usable lot.
Complete all applicable preparation, including depriming, resizing, primer-pocket preparation, case-length checks, and final inspection. Confirm that prepared cases and completed cartridges fit the intended firearm using appropriate measurements or a cartridge gauge. Always follow current published load data from established component manufacturers or reloading-manual publishers.
Cartridge Information
Introduced in 1990, the .40 Smith & Wesson was developed through a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Winchester following the FBI’s interest in reduced-power 10mm ammunition. The resulting cartridge used a shorter case while retaining the same general bullet diameter, allowing it to function in medium-frame semiautomatic pistols comparable in size to many 9mm handguns.
The cartridge was widely adopted by law-enforcement agencies throughout the United States during the 1990s and 2000s. Although many agencies have since transitioned to other service calibers, the .40 S&W remains in widespread civilian use and continues to benefit from broad component availability and a substantial supply of previously fired brass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Once-Fired Brass” mean?
“Once-Fired Brass” is the widely accepted industry term used to describe previously fired cartridge cases intended for reloading. US Reloading Supply uses this established product classification but does not represent or guarantee the complete firing history of any individual case. Additional information is available on our Brass Information page.
Is this brass cleaned?
Cleaning and processing vary by product. Please review each individual Product Title and Short Description to determine whether the brass is sold dirty, washed and polished, nickel plated, or with another specified finish.
Is this brass deprimed?
No. Although some brass may be received from our sources with the spent primer already removed, depriming was not intentionally completed by US Reloading Supply, so we do not represent it as a processed feature. All applicable case preparation should still be completed by the reloader. Please review the individual Product Title and Short Description for product-specific details.
Is this mixed-headstamp brass?
Unless otherwise stated, products on this page contain mixed-headstamp brass.
Is nickel-plated brass available?
Nickel-plated .40 S&W brass may be offered as a separate product option. Please review the individual product listings for current availability.
Is dirty brass available?
Dirty .40 S&W brass may be offered when inventory is available. Please refer to the individual product listings shown on this page for current availability.
What primer does the .40 S&W normally use?
The .40 S&W normally uses a small pistol primer. Always verify component compatibility with current published load data before reloading.
Does US Reloading Supply include extra brass?
Most once-fired brass orders include approximately 2–3% additional brass to help offset occasional unusable cases and ensure customers receive at least the quantity ordered.
Is shipping included?
Orders of $25 or more qualify for free shipping with tracking under our current shipping policy.
Where can I view the official cartridge specifications?
You can view the official dimensions in the SAAMI .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge and chamber drawing.
