Nickle plated brass

[EOD Rob]

Tried search this, but there was not much info on it.
Been reloading for 25+ yrs and never thought to ask this question. What is the pros and cons (pistol and rifle) of using Nickle plated brass? I've heard from some, never use it, but was never told why.

Hope this help out someone else thinking the same thing!

Rob

 

[jepp2]

I have used it in revolver and rifle no problems. I "read" about folks not liking it. I've "heard" about the nickle coming off and scratching your dies. If you anneal, don't expect to see the same brass color change.

 

[jk80]

Don't know about rifle brass, but nickel pistol brass seems prone to neck cracking sooner than regular brass. Ymmv.

 

[Oso]

The main advantage/benefit of nickel coated brass is to deal with corrosion (exposure to the elements). This is why most self-defense pistol ammo is nickel so that prolonged exposure to elements while carried on a duty belt or just exposure to sweat won't corrode the case like a plain brass case would.

Common View is that Nickel coated Brass is tougher, more brittle. There is also some concerns around the case hardening that may occur to the brass during the nickel plating process. It should be fine for hunting loads, but less desirable for precision reloading. It can be tougher on reloading dies and may be more difficult to obtain consistent neck tension. Sooner or later the nickel will wear through/off from use or during tumbling (you see this on pistol cases more often then rifle cases).

Edit: I use pistol pistol nickel cases without any issues. I tend to dedicate it to self defense or specialty loads. The nickel case is an easy visual distinguisher that these reloads are different than all the rest (brass cases). I chunk the rifle nickel cases because of the aforementioned issues and also there is never adequate quantity to bother to reload a batch.

 

[Twicepop]

For my two cents worth, there is no down side for nickel plated handgun brass. For rifle brass, I can't answer that , I've never used any of it. Some say the necks/case mouth is more prone to cracking because of the embrittlement due to the plating. The only ones I've had this happen too are brass that has been in my use for 25+ years. I've had plain brass cases of the similar age do the same thing. If I can get it, I'll take nickel plated handgun brass over plain brass anytime.

 

[std7mag]

I've seen the nickel crack & flake off in areas around the neck in both rifle and pistol cases.
Another consideration for nickel rifle cartridges is it's harder to trim, and wears on the cutter more.

 

[Murray Brook]

My experience with NP brass is I had some flake off my case and embed itself in my die. I got it out but involved some elbow grease and made me think about what would happen if I got some in my bore. My other experience came with NP Federal 270 Weatherby mag cases. It seemed that the nickel would bunch up from sizing just in front of the belt making it almost impossible to chamber after 2 sizings. JME

 

[LW Moore]

Just Say No

 

[Straightshooter1]

Tried search this, but there was not much info on it.
Been reloading for 25+ yrs and never thought to ask this question. What is the pros and cons (pistol and rifle) of using Nickle plated brass? I've heard from some, never use it, but was never told why.

Hope this help out someone else thinking the same thing!

Rob

Well, I haven't had a LOT of experience in reloading nickel plated brass, but I picked some Federal .308's up at the range and applied my precision reloading process to them, including neck turning, and after 4 firings, there's been no issues to date.

 

[D-4297]

Currently have 2,000 , 9mm plated cases on hand , and 4,000 .40 cal. cases . For when I'll need them . Roughly five reloads on the 200 plated cases I'm running in my G22 currently , with no negative effects , as of yet . I prefer to store the plated cases for long term storage , as I feel they hold up better in the long run . Rather have em and not need em , plated or not , as to need em , and not have em . Like so many are dealing with now . Don't tell the pistol they're plated . It won't know the difference...

 

[EOD Rob]

Thanks all!
Not a big issue, just always wondered. I do have some NP, but not of any volume. Most of it is in pistol, but I do have some rifle floating around too. I do keep it separate from normal brass, but I'd think that would go without saying.

Rob

 

[snert]

Never had an issue with pistol nickel brass. But on rifle, I find it to be not helpful when expecting lots of life from a case. It has its place, say in a hunting rifle, factory loads. But for reloading, it seems to flake off, and if you neck turn, well, why have it. It does seem to make the brass more brittle. I used some, thought I was cool, then found Lapua...

 

[CaptainMal]

Back in the early 90's a fellow gave me about 300 pieces of Winchester nickeled 270 Win brass. Really do not shoot more than 30-50 per year but still have most all he gave me and maybe another 100. Reloaded a good 5 times and annealed after each shooting along with trimming, they still work fine and look as new.

Do seem to remember maybe 2-3 showing some cracks in the nickel on the case body. Threw those out.

I sure like them.