Can you reload nickel casings

Second, and this is most important, at least to me RCBS, who has been in the business a long, long time recommended I do not use Nickel brass except in a last resort situation. As far as pistol ammo goes it's less critical because of the straight case, there is less manipulation of the metal. Nonetheless, I can't argue with what works for other people and many of the folks on this forum really know their stuff. Regards, Matt. Posted: Wed Jul 19, pm. Hi erniec, I'm new to the forum, and absolutely no expert.

However, I thought I might share my insight on nickel brass. They are loaded pretty hot for my rifle, and some of the cases have been loaded 4 or 5 times. I use a Lee collet die to neck size only, and the only problem I have experienced is with sizing new brass.

Even if I debur the inside of the case mouth first, the case will scratch, scar or burr the expander rod to the extreme upon the first sizing. Subsequent sizings are no problem, as the case mouth is already round, somewhat oversize, and deburred. My solution that has worked so far, was to order from Lee, for minimal expense an extra expander rod.

I use the old one for new unsized brass, and the old one for once fired. The collet die expander is not hardened or carbide like some other dies, so that might be a solution also. I like nickel for big game loads because it is easier for me to spot after the shot or shots, and saves time after climbing down from the stand when you could be admiring your trophy. Sorry erniec, I meant to say I use the new expander for once fired and older brass. I told you I was a rookie to this forum thing.

Posted: Mon Aug 07, pm. Rick Smith, Where does one find nickel plated Savage brass? Thanks in advance. I shot a lot of remington nickel plated brass in my first that was a Ruger. I never had any problems with it, or my dies. My dad and I also shot some of the win mag nickel brass and experienced nothing but good from it. I like the looks of nickel better personally, especialy when loaded with a btip, or a combined tech btip!

I stopped using it however when I heard of the problems that could occur with dies, and I also read and heard that it was pretty inconsistent, of course, its still remington. Posted: Tue Aug 08, pm. Never had any problems but quit using it because of problems you heard about??? I never had any problems with it so continue to use it. Keep the brass clean, regular and nickel, and you won't have any problems. I have ruined two dies but both were with regular brass that I had not cleaned.

I have heard all the stories about ruining dies, cutting tools, etc. Trimmed nickel 38 Special cases at one sitting and still use the same trimmer and chamfer tool.

Posted: Tue Aug 22, pm. I will not use Rem nickle or Brass. I have had no problem with Federal or winchester I think the Federal Nickle cases is best of the two Posted: Fri Aug 25, am. I like plated brass in straight-walled pistol brass but I think that the plating process makes the brass more brittle and thsu shortens the life span. I have cooked up several loads that sucked, too! I have plenty of each case, so that is not a problem.

I just wanted to start down the road aware of any potential issues. I appreciate all of your inputs so far. I've loaded nickel plated brass for a with good results but I only neck-size it, haven't had any flaking problems so far. I have a few of them I necked to I have reloaded them all more than 10 times each with no problems of any kind.

They are not better or worse I put deer hunting loads in them so I know which ones are the good loads from year to year.

They just have a coating over the regular brass case. I have turned necks on most of mine so the necks look like pure brass and and the rest of the case is silver.

Shoot 'em up and rest assured. It is very easy to identify specialty loads from your regular. I don't see any problems other than the thoroughly discussed scratching.

I don't believe that you will have any issues. I use nikel cases if I can find them to hunt with, They are much easier to keep clean.

Test loads and just shooting loads I still use brass. My nikel cases and brass cases shoot the same. Right Rail 1.

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Well, inflation was to be transitory - that has all changed now, it will continueing Channel: Other. Reply to Veterans Day. Thanks for your service guys Veterans Day. To all the Veterans out there, this is your day. Thank You! Channel: Hunting. Nickel casings also tend to be more fragile or brittle. This often leads to the development of cracks even after firing just a few rounds.

To avoid this problem, gun owners often do not attempt more than reloads with each casing. Nickel casings need more attention when reloading. One has to check the metal property and adjust the die for length and crimping each time. During reloading the nickel plating may come off or flake and enter into the die.

Any nickel residue left in the barrel or chamber of the firearm is also hard to remove and may require thorough cleaning with a brush. Brass, on the other hand, can be relatively easily removed with a solvent. Brass vs. Nickel Casing Summary. While nickel is more resistant to corrosion and easier to feed, the casings are slightly more expensive.

Brass, on the other hand, has withstood the test of time and is durable, easy to reload and less expensive than nickel. Overall nickel casings have a shorter life span the normal brass casings. No matter which casing, you select, it is vital that you regularly test the rounds so that you know they are meeting your requirements and are safe. For those who want accuracy from a handgun, the only way to know which casing will work for you is to test fire at a range.

In many cases of failure to feed, it is not the casing that is the problem. It may be that the shooter needs more experience or the gun may need proper maintenance and cleaning.

There are some new technologies that use a two-piece case consisting of a solid nickel-plated aircraft aluminum head and an enhanced nickel alloy stainless cylinder. Something to consider for a balance of both cost and performance. For reloading, select a supplier of brass and nickel cases with a consistent supply of range brass in the calibers you most often shoot. Also look for specialty sizes or uncommon sizes you will use to order in bulk and save on shipping.