Reloading question

pjames777

Any difference between nickle plated handgun brass and plain brass as far as the number of times you can reload each? Specifically 9mm and .40 SW. I have my choice both are free to me....

Thanks,
Patrick

Buford

Nickle don't last at all maybe get 1 reload from them before the nickle coating cracks. Myself I toss them in the trash.

early

I've had pretty good luck with nickle 38spl brass, but I dont seek it out.

Hondo341

Seems I get split cases after a couple reloadings. I use brass when available. The nickel cases do shine up nice though.

sarg1c

early wrote: »

I've had pretty good luck with nickle 38spl brass, but I dont seek it out.

I agree early, I load a lot of nickle and brass .38 spl It may split with a loose chamber, but I ve not had any problem yet. I don't load hot loads . if I carry a few loose rounds in a hunting coat pocket I favor the nickle . just me, no special reason.

Big Chief

It does split at the mouth a lot sooner than brass. If it is good to go when you inspect it before reloading it won't hurt anything even if it does slightly split in firing, at least in .38 Special/.357 where I see the most of it. I have even had a few over the years get long cracks in it when firing, not many, though.

I see much less of it in other calibers, but have a few in .44 and .45 calibers. I see some in .223, again not many. I have reloaded one piece in .45 ACP half dozen times and it is still good. Never know how long it will last.

It used to look good in gun-belts for police when they displayed in it cartridge loops and was easier to maintain than brass without discoloration. Of course, that was all factory new and it certainly is good for one firing.

People are attracted to it I reckon because, well it is shiny and looks good.

I won't buy new nickel brass to reload when ordering brass, but I won't throw it away when I get some either, but keep an eye on it.

jbohio

Nickel doesn't last as long, for sure. I load some for 45acp, I do like it for a couple occasions. I like it when I'm shooting over grass, it's easier to see. I also like it when I'm going shooting with other handloaders, the nickel is mine!

That being said, I was given the brass. I wouldn't pay extra for it.

Big Chief

And Brass Brass is made with different degrees of quality, slightly different specs from different makers, it stands to reason that Nickel is too. All Brass is not created equal, but most falls easily well within industry accepted standards.

After all, in loaded ammo, what they do is make it capable of firing one time in all firearms chambered in that caliber, not so much with reloaders in mind. Having said that, nickel plated brass has different metallurgical qualities than regular brass and there is that.

Fisheadgib

I don't go out of my way to look for nickel plated cases but if I have them, I'll use them. Plating metal embrittles it and nickel plated cases don't last near as long as brass but they'll certainly last more than one reloading. I've got some nickel .357 cases that I've reloaded hot at least 10 times and I've had nicklel .45acp cases that cracked after two reloadings. I've got some new nickel .243 cases that were given to me that I haven't used yet but when I do, I'll keep track of them out of curiosity.

Big Chief

http://gundigest.com/how-to/the-nickel-brass-case-reloading-the-shiny-sibling

Teach

Watch out for plating that flakes off- - - -it can scratch up the inside of some sizing dies.
Jerry

pjames777

Big Chief wrote: »

http://gundigest.com/how-to/the-nickel-brass-case-reloading-the-shiny-sibling

Thanks for sharing

pjames777

The nickel is once fired LEO brass that was given to me. Some of it is Hornady +p and most is Federal. I'll certainly watch for the cracking but won't be reloading any hot and I only use carbide or titanium dies. Have some nickel 5.56 once fired LEO brass as well. Guess that is more sensitive since it is rifle. (Been cutting some down for 300 blackout)

Jay

I've used once fired LE nickel brass. I've had some split pretty quick, so I just use it as disposable brass. Load it once, shoot it and throw it away.

sarg1c

With the .223 fired in an AR they may split quicker as some have oversized chambers...