I was just wondering what the difference (besides looks) is there between the nickel plated and the brass shells. I am just starting to get into reloading and was wondering. It seems like some people really like the nickel and some people swear that it is crap. Any feedback would be awesome.

Schmaus

Nickle plated brass can tear up a set of dies from what I have heard, never used them but have heard this from very reputable sources

Nickel looks sexy and if it was good enough for the Lone Ranger it's OK in my book.

I have heard the same thing b beyer. I had some factory empty winchester 300wsm and the nickel plating actually started to come off after sizing for the first time plus it took a lot of force even with proper lubrication. not a worthwhile investment IMO

Schmaus,

If you are just starting reloading now by all means buy some nickel brass, so you can get it out of your system!

It sizes harder, and starts flaking off after a few reloads, way before the brass is otherwise ready to be trash canned at any rate. Apparently the nickel flakes can scratch dies, but I never had that happen to me. Of course I don't reload nickel much any way. If you use it just keep an eye out for the nickel to flake off, it will happen sooner or later and get rid of the case if you see that happening. You'll be OK if you do it that way. I always thought that nickel cases would be a cool way to mark a special load but I found sharpies to be more convenient, if not as cool.

I for one realy like nickle plated brass. I carry shells in leather carriers and the brass (er nickle) dosent tarnish like brass brass will. In Africa this fall it was subjected to lots of sweat and dust. I found it much easier to keep clean. Some of the caseings I've reloaded 4 times and no flakeing so far. I Use Fed and Rem cases. Most of my hand gun cases are nickle as well.Use carbide dies on them and they will look like they were just polished........

I worry the Nickel plating edge will scrape the bullet in high accuracy rifle loads.

For pistols, having some Nickel plated brass and some plain brass is a good way for me to keep the hot load separate from the wimp loads.

About 85% of what I reload is nickel plated and is strictly for hunting purposes. I like it due to the environment I hunt and shoot in - very humid and close to the saltwater environment.

I don't find them to be a problem. The only the I've observed flaking is when reforming cases (wildcatting.) Never ever scratched or ruined a set of dies. If you want more than 5-6 reloads per case, then nickel may not be the best. I find the economics of reloading telling me that 5-6 reloads is plenty good.

MM

Nickle doesn't scratch dies. The nickle is softer than the die.What occurs is that nickle flakes off, sticks to the die wall and scratches the brass. If you chamfer the case mouth on both edges this is a lot less likely.
One good thing, nickle cases are easier tofind in the grass.
Good luck!

quote:

I worry the Nickel plating edge will scrape the bullet in high accuracy rifle loads.

If you trim your brass a few thousandths, the nickel will be gone from the mouth edge, and there won't be any scraping.

And I have had work-hardened brass scrape bullet jackets when I failed to properly chamfer the case mouth prior to seating the bullet...

quote:

Originally posted by onefunzr2:
Nickel looks sexy and if it was good enough for the Lone Ranger it's OK in my book.

This is my kind of man!!!!

Many Many years ago I started shooting High Power Rifle Silhoutte. I used a 308. I bought a few hundred Nickle Federal Match cases. I used these cases for many years of competition shooting. I never had any problems. I still have the cases.
I use Nickle cases for some of my hunting loads to this day. Again never any problems. I have shot several thousand rounds of Winchester 168 grain Ballistic Tips in a Accuracy International Sniper rifle, with out problem [these are loaded in Nickle cases].
I cinsider it a non issue.
If I have them, I use them.

I use nickel WW 280 brass and haven't had any problems even in repeated reloading. The are easier to keep clean, which may have some advantages...

I also shoot a lot of 45 colt nickel brass (I got a bunch for a bargain price) and have had good luck with it too...

I have 100 pieces of old Federal gold match 222 rem that is nickel plated. They have been reloaded and trimmed a lot. Accuracy is phenominal, and I've never had any problems. A friend has a 222 improved 35 degrees with a tight neck. He has had no problems with the Federal nickel brass that he uses, and he turns the necks down to the brass. I think the nickel brass that I have used is great.

quote:

Originally posted by tnekkcc:
I worry the Nickel plating edge will scrape the bullet in high accuracy rifle loads.

For pistols, having some Nickel plated brass and some plain brass is a good way for me to keep the hot load separate from the wimp loads.

I use nickle brass and like it. If you reload to similar size rounds it is especially useful to have one round in brass and the other nickle so you can easily tell them apart. As stated carrying rounds in a leather pouch and they dont tarnish. There might be a problem of them scratching dies with continued use but I have only been using it for almost 40 years so I wouldn't know.

I use and like nickel brass. I have lyman "m" dies that I use to true up necks on virgin brass. Some of this nickel shows up with some real rough necks. I true them up with the m die and trim them right away. Seems if you can trim a little less material it goes a little smoother and might be easier on the cutter.
From there on out it is smooth sailing with cases that feed like butter and look cocky too!

thanks

Sounds like I will give nickel brass a try because I like the way it looks as well.

Schmaus