- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
National Institute of Justice
The Research, Development, and Evaluation
Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Alternate Materials
Home > Small Arms Amunition > Cartridge Case Manufacture > Alternate Materials
Cartridge with aluminum case
Brass is the most commonly used material in the production of the modern cartridge case. Mild steel cartridge cases and bullet jackets are manufactured outside of the United States. Another alternative material is aluminum alloy, which is used to produce centerfire cartridge cases. Other materials, such as plastic, have been tried but have not been widely accepted.
