Plated Brass?

[antelopedundee]

Any reason why the major manufacturers nickel plate some [but not all] of their rifle brass? Saw some Winchester plated .280 Remington brass at the local Sportsman's Warehouse.

Last fall I had the great idea to use nickel plated cases for my 6.5-06 hunting loads. Mostly because I also had a .25-06 along and had made my 6.5-06 cases from .25-06 cases. Dang things were slick and kept slipping out of my pinkies when trying to load the gun.

 

[okie]

Any reason why the major manufacturers nickel plate some [but not all] of their rifle brass? Saw some Winchester plated .280 Remington brass at the local Sportsman's Warehouse.

Last fall I had the great idea to use nickel plated cases for my 6.5-06 hunting loads. Mostly because I also had a .25-06 along and had made my 6.5-06 cases from .25-06 cases. Dang things were slick and kept slipping out of my pinkies when trying to load the gun.

search "plated brass" upper rt. hand is search box

 

[sqrlgtr]

Always heard that the nickle plated brass was hard on dies and chambers.I have nothing to prove this but have always steered clear of the stuff myself,but it sure is pretty.As far as the original ? have no idea...

 

[antelopedundee]

search "plated brass" upper rt. hand is search box

Nothing relevant in the first 3 pages cept your "suggestion". Was hoping that mebbe someone who works at a major manufacturer might know and post an answer.

 

[antelopedundee]

Always heard that the nickle plated brass was hard on dies and chambers.I have nothing to prove this but have always steered clear of the stuff myself,but it sure is pretty.As far as the original ? have no idea...

Supposedly since nickel is so hard and it flakes off thereby abrading the die. Not sure if it has the same effect on rifle chambers. Was wondering too if fire forming from 6.5-06 to the AI version would result in more flaking. I doubt that resizing or shooting a few cases will cause any harm.

 

[ebb]

Nickel plated brass is plated because the maker wanted to be sure that when the hunter/LEO who was going to use it had been out in the rain and snow for several days or longer had untarnished cartridges that would chamber and eject and the gun would work when needed most. Naked brass will tarnish much quicker than plated and can get to the point of being unreliable way quicker than you think.

 

[okie]

Nothing relevant in the first 3 pages cept your "suggestion". Was hoping that mebbe someone who works at a major manufacturer might know and post an answer.

sorry--seems like i remember a lengthy discussion on subject a few years ago...thought it might show up.

 

[powderbrake]

I have very little experience with plated rifle brass, but a lot with 38sp pistol brass.

The necks split on the plated pistol brass much, much more frequently than the plain brass. This was attributed to hydrogen embrittlement from the electroplating process, without the anneal after plating which eliminates this problem.

When I was shooting IHMSA, I had my 7 IHMSA cases electroless nickel plated to avoid this problem, and never split a neck.

 

[mikeinct]

I've Only used one box of a hundred RP 22-250, twenty years ago. Worst stuff I ever reloaded. just about soured me to all RP brass. The stuff was junk on the first loading due to split necks [while loading]. Avoid it like the plague .... mikeinct

 

[Just Say Moe]

Any reason why the major manufacturers nickel plate some [but not all] of their rifle brass? Saw some Winchester plated .280 Remington brass at the local Sportsman's Warehouse.

Last fall I had the great idea to use nickel plated cases for my 6.5-06 hunting loads. Mostly because I also had a .25-06 along and had made my 6.5-06 cases from .25-06 cases. Dang things were slick and kept slipping out of my pinkies when trying to load the gun.

For the cool factor. I have some in 06 and 300 H&H and when paired with a Combined Technologies Ballistic Silvertip, they just look plain evil!

 

[Old Navy]

I have very little experience with plated rifle brass, but a lot with 38sp pistol brass.

The necks split on the plated pistol brass much, much more frequently than the plain brass. This was attributed to hydrogen embrittlement from the electroplating process, without the anneal after plating which eliminates this problem.

When I was shooting IHMSA, I had my 7 IHMSA cases electroless nickel plated to avoid this problem, and never split a neck.

Nickel plated brass is plated because the maker wanted to be sure that when the hunter/LEO who was going to use it had been out in the rain and snow for several days or longer had untarnished cartridges that would chamber and eject and the gun would work when needed most. Naked brass will tarnish much quicker than plated and can get to the point of being unreliable way quicker than you think.

Huh! Really?

 

[mikeinct]

Moe got cool factor down....

 

[Old Navy]

Reloaded quite a few .45 ACP over the years. Ran them right along with the brass and really didn't see any pros or cons to them. Never had any problems.

 

[antelopedundee]

View attachment 1163803

For the cool factor. I have some in 06 and 300 H&H and when paired with a Combined Technologies Ballistic Silvertip, they just look plain evil!

All I have for the moment is this Sierra TGK vs Hornady SST.

 

[Bc'z]

All I have for the moment is this Sierra TGK vs Hornady SST.

Cartridge on the right is purty. All ready for
St.Patricks day.

 

[Laurie]

Nothing relevant in the first 3 pages cept your "suggestion". Was hoping that mebbe someone who works at a major manufacturer might know and post an answer.

http://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/nickel-brass.3749024/

There have been other threads on this subject too including one that had a post by a metallurgist who agreed with the 'don't touch with a bargepole' sentiment comments giving a professional opinion on the reasons. I can't find that one however.

In addition to use on sporting rifle cartridges for tropical or humid conditions, another reason for the practice sometimes provided is to do with keeping cartridges in leather cartridge belts with loops. Plain brass and leather interact in some conditions requiring regular cartridge removal and cleaning to avoid corrosion and/or their sticking in the loops.

 

[antelopedundee]

 

[243winxb]

Nickel cases have less spring back after many firings in 357 mag for me. Cases were sticky in the chamber. Reducing the load did not help.

Brass cases of the same brand & about the same number of firings, sprang back more, when comparing with a micrometer.

The plating may peel or flake.

Plated is good in a carry gun. It gives some protection from the elements.