School me on nickel plated cartridges

[Hengehold]

I have never used nickel cartridges for rifle but am considering it for pistol reloading. Seems like it will make it easier to pick up MY brass when shooting at a public range.

are there any differences between using standard brass cases and nickel plated?

any advantage/disadvantages?

Thanks,
-Trevor

 

[txdan]

I have never used nickel cartridges for rifle but am considering it for pistol reloading. Seems like it will make it easier to pick up MY brass when shooting at a public range.

are there any differences between using standard brass cases and nickel plated?

any advantage/disadvantages?

Thanks,
-Trevor

Nickel is good for corrosion resistance. Harder than most reloading dies. When it flakes it will scratch your dies.

 

[edwardware]

I understand that the harder nickel, when it starts to crack and flake, can accelerate mouth splits by creating a stress riser. I haven't used enough nickel-plated bread to observe for, but it makes sense from a fracture mechanics POV.

 

[AckleymanII]

I have been shooting Ni plated brass for 30 years, I have never had a problem. I have shot 38 special Ni plated brass so many times the Ni wears thin, same on 357 Mag. Never had a problem with rifle cases.

The issue on scratching a die is real, just pay attention to your brass prior to sizing.

 

[AJC]

I was taught by my dad that it does not last as long as brass but to be honest he shot waaaaay more than I do. It was his practice to load the nickel for long term storage and carry ammo because it does stay clean and nice looking for a lot longer. Not exactly strong science but my experience.

 

[drano38]

I use nickel plated for my .38 Special. Seems to clean up quicker in the tumbler, and like said above, stays shinny. When you notice it start to crack/flake/etc, get rid of it before you damage your dies.

 

[bozo699]

I ruined a brand new set of Redding dies with ni 22-250 AI brass! I still use some ni brass but don’t reload it.for a pistol I think I would try it with carbide dies and just watch it close .The cases are still brass so the life span shouldn’t be any different other than if nickel starts to peal. They use the same brass and run them through electro plating tanks to put the ni on same as the copper jackets on your pistol bullets.
Wayne

 

[jonbearman]

I only use it in pistol calibers. It does stay cleaner than plain brass. As for rifle, only use it if I get it for nothing and factory only. I usually give it away when fired. I tried resizing some .243 win I got in a trade and it scratched my die a bit so I polished it and all is good but wont reuse it again.

 

[K22]

My experience:

1. Avoid them for reloading bottle neck rifle cartridges.

2. They're ok for straight wall cases using a carbide sizing die.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I run nothing but Ni 17 rem brass through my Lilja barrel, standard RCBS die never have had an issue. I do get a blue hue on neck when annealed.

 

[Twicepop]

I've never used nickled rifle brass, but for the last 40+ years I've used nickled pistol brass with no ill effects. I have some that is over 30 years old and it still functions well. The only downside I call see to it is it might have a shorter life span due to hydrogen embrittlement from the plating process, but no brass has an infinate life span. If for no other reason "it shore cleans up purty" and will resist tarnishing and corroding longer than unplated brass.

 

[mac86951]

I've heard all the same as above; I've used Ni plated brass for 357 and 38s for some time now. I like how it cleans, already had carbide dies, and I set up the bell a little more carefully for Ni (just enough to seat, but not overtly excessive).

Ni brass in 223 ran for a long time, likewise, I work the brass less, but works great from an AR and 7-10 loads before it cracks the neck isn't bad considering I didn't anneal.

Pistol brass that goes in leather holster, or otherwise needs tarnish resistance I like Ni brass; but an FMJ bullet will be needed or some such the exposed hollow points, soft noses, and other exposed lead will corrode.


-Mac

 

[hoz53]

I have never used nickel cartridges for rifle but am considering it for pistol reloading. Seems like it will make it easier to pick up MY brass when shooting at a public range.

are there any differences between using standard brass cases and nickel plated?

any advantage/disadvantages?

Thanks,
-Trevor

Ive used it for pistol only in 45acp and 38/357 only. Never had a problem. Got some 45acp nickel brass 40 years old im sure.

 

[Ralph Littlefield]

I've never had a problem with nickel plated brass, in fact, I believe that it extracts a little easier. I had a Sig 1911 that would occasionally fail to extract unless I used nickel plated brass.

 

[rjtfroggy]

I use it exclusively for 223 & 6x45. Most last 14-15 firings and I have never hurt a reloading die. I use the same technique during prep with the same results.
Personally I would say use it don't be afraid of ruining anything as long as you prep right.
I am actually going to load a bunch this morning just to have " READY" you never know.
After a quick inventory I have on hand as of now about 6k rounds of hand gun, rifle and shot gun rounds loaded with probably 7-800 rounds of empty brass prepped and ready.

 

[bozo699]

I use it exclusively for 223 & 6x45. Most last 14-15 firings and I have never hurt a reloading die. I use the same technique during prep with the same results.
Personally I would say use it don't be afraid of ruining anything as long as you prep right.
I am actually going to load a bunch this morning just to have " READY" you never know.
After a quick inventory I have on hand as of now about 6k rounds of hand gun, rifle and shot gun rounds loaded with probably 7-800 rounds of empty brass prepped and ready.

Do you really want trolls to know that?
Wayne

 

[rjtfroggy]

Honestly Bozzo I really don't care I'm 68 years old have cancer, don't walk real good because of multiple back surgeries, and like everyone else my days are all borrowed time.

 

[bozo699]

Honestly Bozzo I really don't care I'm 68 years old have cancer, don't walk real good because of multiple back surgeries, and like everyone else my days are all borrowed time.

I’m very sorry to hear that sir..... I wish you the very best!... hope you get well.
Wayne

 

[rjtfroggy]

Wayne I didn't post that for sympathy, I got my illness and spinal problems from my chosen occupations. Firefighter for over 20 years, and would go back today if the need arose ( loved my job). I also repaired oil burners and furnaces, that job I would not go back to.
Remember your first responders in your prayers and actions they are truly the first on the front line.

 

[LRH]

My experience:

1. Avoid them for reloading bottle neck rifle cartridges.

2. They're ok for straight wall cases using a carbide sizing die.

Why not use them for bottlenecked cases?