Brass molds and turns green when wet. It really corrods if it comes in contact with blood or carried in a leather holster belt. Nickel plating is good for rainy damp weather. Just inspect it good before sizing.
Nickle cases anyone reload them?
- Thread starter Buzzsaw
- Start date
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The nickel itself is not (in my experience anyway) scratching the die. The issue is the nickel is transferring onto the die. Then it will scratch every piece of brass you poke in it after that and build up more each piece. A single piece of 9mm nickel with no lube ran through a carbide die is enough to start the problem. Lubed up nickel brass in a clean die is good to go for me. As for splitting or lasting fewer reloads, I have seen splits on 38 spl / 357 mag on nickel brass that has been loaded several times, but nothing I'd lose sleep over. I sort the nickel out and save them for a rainy day when I have clean dies to start and then clean them after.
I prefer nickel brass in single action revolvers. It is slicker and slides out of the cylinder easier, especially with heavy loads.
I have reloaded rifle rounds that were nickel without issue too. I am not sure i would use them for trying to build precise LR type loads, but for general loading go for it. If you have them, use them.
I have reloaded rifle rounds that were nickel without issue too. I am not sure i would use them for trying to build precise LR type loads, but for general loading go for it. If you have them, use them.
Very nice to know that, Josh. I have often wondered about fire forming NI plated Win 280 Rem to AI.
I would keep a special watch on the plating, and rotate each case shoulder and neck in your fingers on every case before you reload them. Your finger can feel tiny variance in surface finish, and don't be in a hurry while performing this QC test.
I shot 38 Special and 357 Mag cases so many times that the Ni plating was getting thin.
I would keep a special watch on the plating, and rotate each case shoulder and neck in your fingers on every case before you reload them. Your finger can feel tiny variance in surface finish, and don't be in a hurry while performing this QC test.
I shot 38 Special and 357 Mag cases so many times that the Ni plating was getting thin.
Brad Quarnberg
Well-Known Member
Water doesn't affect the nickel plating, does brass starts corroding/discoloring. When your on a 10 day hunt away from civilization, I prefer the nickel case.
