brass vs nickel cases

[NH Phantom]

Any difference between the 2 types as far as reloading? Is brass better than nickel?

 

[moojpg2]

nickel plated cases will sometimes be more brittle, you'll tend to get split case mouths sooner, that's about it. They resize easier as the plating has a lower coefficient of friction. That's why self defense and premium ammo uses nickel plating, it feeds more reliably.

 

[gerrycaruso]

Nickel plated cases were originally used because brass cases reacted with the leather loops. Since no one carries spare ammo in belt loops anymore, I guess it doesn't matter.

 

[meh]

you'll tend to get split case mouths sooner

This is significant. I'll reload nickel-plated cases, sure. They've been cases from factory ammo I've bought, or cases I've scavenged. But I won't buy virgin nickel-plated brass. It just doesn't last as long.

 

[gerrycaruso]

Maybe I'm just lucky but I've reloaded nickel .357 cases until the nickel was worn off.

 

[shootymacshootface]

I don't use nickel cases for the above reasons. But, mostly because the force needed to release the bullet is far less than with brass cases. This will cause inconsistent ballistics if using mixed cases. I suspect that it is easier to stuff a bullet into a nickle case as well.

 

[whatluck]

nickel is good for defensive ammo. speer gold dot and HST are both nickel because they wont corrode as easily.

 

[meh]

Maybe I'm just lucky but I've reloaded nickel .357 cases until the nickel was worn off.

Interesting. Perhaps the brittleness depends on some factors that vary from headstamp to headstamp. All I can tell you is that my experience mirrors what Jim reported here.

 

[gerrycaruso]

Maybe there's more than one process for applying the nickel. I don't know.