nickel brass???? - The Firearms Forum

jmar595 · 06-08-2009, 06:03 PM

Is nickel a good choice to use for reloading? I am very new to this. I just got a Hornady Lock n Load AP and deprimed, tumbled, and am now in the process of putting primers in. I am going to go slowly, one step at a time, even with this press. Thanks for any help

woolleyworm · 06-08-2009, 06:06 PM

nothing wrong with nickel at all, typically can't get as many reloads out of it, but it all depends on what load you're putting in them.

Alpo · 06-08-2009, 07:21 PM

Nickel, being harder than brass, will get mouth cracks sooner. Like (for 38s) at maybe loading 6 or 8, vs loading 12 or so with the brass cases. It depends on what caliber you are loading, how hot you load it, how much you bell the case, etc.

Nickel has some great things going for it, though, not the least of which is it does not crud up like brass will.

thomas44 · 06-08-2009, 08:41 PM

I like nickel brass myself, but I don't load it very hot, because yes, it will split the necks sooner, however they don't seem to need trimmed as often. (they look really pretty all loaded up, too)

312shooter · 06-08-2009, 10:58 PM

I like nickel it seems to me it runs smoother throught the dies.....maybe I'm wrong, it sure does look nice as thomas44 mentioned. The other plus is for some reason people shy away from buying it from my local range which leaves me with easy pickins.

Bindernut · 06-09-2009, 08:29 AM

Here's a quick search on nickel brass here in the reloading forum. Some good reading on the subject.
http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/sear...archid=1154900

And just a little repeating of what others have already posted here.
Not a thing wrong with using nickel plated brass. It's got advantages and disadvantages to plain unplated brass.

For "range ammo" brass that gets many reloads I prefer unplated. For my hunting loads, I am partial to nickel. I find the shiny cases easier to spot on the ground than brass, especially in the fall brown grass.

Popgunner · 06-09-2009, 08:38 AM

Some worry about small nickel flakes coming off while re-sizing & getting stuck in dies. I don't & I've used nickel cases to denote elk loads & brass colored for deer loads in several calibers.

pkcgbifaid · 06-09-2009, 11:25 AM

When loading nickle plated cases for my 25-06 I have noticed I get quite a bit of copper shaving from the bullets as they are being seated, more so than when loading brass cases. Even though I'm using the same re-sizing die and trim and chamfer the cases. It doesn't bother the performance... just makes for a little more cleanup.

06-08-2009, 06:03 PM	#1
jmar595 Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 2	nickel brass???? Is nickel a good choice to use for reloading? I am very new to this. I just got a Hornady Lock n Load AP and deprimed, tumbled, and am now in the process of putting primers in. I am going to go slowly, one step at a time, even with this press. Thanks for any help -->

06-08-2009, 06:06 PM	#2
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,888	Re: nickel brass???? nothing wrong with nickel at all, typically can't get as many reloads out of it, but it all depends on what load you're putting in them.

06-08-2009, 07:21 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,770	Re: nickel brass???? Nickel, being harder than brass, will get mouth cracks sooner. Like (for 38s) at maybe loading 6 or 8, vs loading 12 or so with the brass cases. It depends on what caliber you are loading, how hot you load it, how much you bell the case, etc. Nickel has some great things going for it, though, not the least of which is it does not crud up like brass will. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

06-08-2009, 08:41 PM	#4
thomas44 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 577	Re: nickel brass???? I like nickel brass myself, but I don't load it very hot, because yes, it will split the necks sooner, however they don't seem to need trimmed as often. (they look really pretty all loaded up, too) __________________ Change...it's all you'll have left in your pocket by 2013.

06-08-2009, 10:58 PM	#5
312shooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 1,157	Re: nickel brass???? I like nickel it seems to me it runs smoother throught the dies.....maybe I'm wrong, it sure does look nice as thomas44 mentioned. The other plus is for some reason people shy away from buying it from my local range which leaves me with easy pickins.

06-09-2009, 08:29 AM	#6
Bindernut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: ND, USA Posts: 2,489	Re: nickel brass???? Here's a quick search on nickel brass here in the reloading forum. Some good reading on the subject. http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/sear...archid=1154900 And just a little repeating of what others have already posted here. Not a thing wrong with using nickel plated brass. It's got advantages and disadvantages to plain unplated brass. For "range ammo" brass that gets many reloads I prefer unplated. For my hunting loads, I am partial to nickel. I find the shiny cases easier to spot on the ground than brass, especially in the fall brown grass.

06-09-2009, 08:38 AM	#7
Popgunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Contributor Posts: 1,764	Re: nickel brass???? Some worry about small nickel flakes coming off while re-sizing & getting stuck in dies. I don't & I've used nickel cases to denote elk loads & brass colored for deer loads in several calibers.

06-09-2009, 11:25 AM	#8
pkcgbifaid V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Charleston, WV Contributor Posts: 491	Re: nickel brass???? When loading nickle plated cases for my 25-06 I have noticed I get quite a bit of copper shaving from the bullets as they are being seated, more so than when loading brass cases. Even though I'm using the same re-sizing die and trim and chamfer the cases. It doesn't bother the performance... just makes for a little more cleanup. __________________ "...As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks." Thomas Jefferson