Author Topic: Nickel plated brass benefits? (Read 1425 times)

Frog123 · « **on:** June 18, 2003, 11:20:20 AM »

Is there any benefits to reloading with nickel plated brass. I know it's harder and not recommended for fire forming cases such as the TCU variants and also costs a few dollars more. Other than that are the any other bonus's or drawbacks one needs to be aware of???

Frog

Sixgun · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2003, 11:29:25 AM »

Good: Its purdy

Bad: Its brittle and case necks split, usually when you are expanding the neck, after the new primer is in.
It is more expensive

I prefer to use brass colored brass but will use nickel brass when I have it.

Sixgun

John Traveler · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2003, 11:38:34 AM »

Good:
1. Blackpowder firing residue washes/tumbles off easily.
2. You can store loaded nickled ammo in belt loops without growing that greasy, pesky verdigris. Great for display cartridges.
3. In high-pressure rifle/pistol calibers, the case is "slicker" and makes for easier extraction, especially in rough chambers.
4. Easy identification for "premium" ammo, special loads, etc.

Bad:
1. poor quality plating flakes off easily and look bad. Same thing after several reloads and the nickle plate scratches off.
2. more expensive.

KN · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2003, 12:21:11 PM »

I very seldom buy nickel plated brass, but I will pick up once fired when I find it. ( never understood why someone would shoot the expensive stuff and not pick up their brass ) I usually reserve it for my "premium" reloads. KN

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2003, 12:51:09 PM »

I prefer loading nickel straight wall pistol cases through a carbide sizer die. The nickel plating makes the case slide through the die easier and they clean up better in the tumbler. Yes the nickel flakes off after several reloads but that was never a problem for me. It seems most of my 357 brass was nickel plated.

Flint · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2003, 09:34:47 AM »

The purpose of nickel brass was as John noted, to prevent green corrosion when stored in leather, which was primarily for police use. The drawbacks were mentioned, it is more brittle and will workharden and split after fewer reloads. I have had factory new R-P brass 357 split in the first shot. It is helpful with bp and Pyrodex cleanup.

Steve P · « **Reply #6 on:** June 26, 2003, 03:51:12 PM »

It's pretty!!

The Lone Ranger used it!!

It looks neat in the movies.

It is easier to find in the dark with a flashlight.

I don't use it. Doesn't last.

Steve

Questor · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2003, 02:58:07 AM »

It may depend on the caliber you're using. I have some for 45ACP that seems to have none of the aforementioned disadvantages. One thing that might be seen as an advantage is that it comes clean easier than brass. I wouldn't buy it specifically unless I wanted the look of nickel plating.

Tom W. · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2003, 03:59:08 PM »

Questor, you know full well that .45acp brass doesn't stay in ones possession long enough to warrant the cost of the nickel plating.

Dana3of5 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2003, 07:16:32 PM »

OOPS. I just got 200 cases ea of .243 and .308 brass. I thought it would last longer. Well, experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. :lol:

Weatherby223 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2003, 04:38:05 AM »

I would say that one good thing about having both cases is that if you, like me use a Lee Collet Die and have two guns in the same Cal you wont mix the cases up for the Rifle that fired each round.
Mick..

PS.. If that makes any sense!!!!!! :-D