Reloading nickel plated

[mike1340]

I only have reloaded brass cases so far.
Can I reload my 357 mag/45 colt using my Lee carbide dies?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Yes

 

[Sunray]

Nickel plated cases are brass. No difference for reloading. You might find tiny bits of the plating coming off and keep and eye on the case mouths. Plated cases seem to crack at the mouths faster.

 

[Walkalong]

Nickle plated brass loads exactly the same as non nickle plated brass. It tends to split a bit sooner than non plated, but not enough to be concerned with. It is said to be more important for it to be clean before sizing due to the hardness of the nickle plating.

 

[Dog Soldier]

The difference between the two is not that great. Brass and nickle plated brass each have advantages and disadvantages.

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/brass-vs-nickel-plated-brass-cases-for-ammo-reloading/

 

[dgod]

Properly prepared, both make very nice looking reloads.

 

[JimKirk]

Nickle sure is much easier to find in the grass and straw .... !!

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

I find it convenient when reloading to have nickel 357's and brass 38spl.

 

[greyling22]

yes to everyting written above. I'll add in that it seems to resize smoother, almost like it has a little case lube on it.
Pro's: prettier, easier to find in grass, resizes easier
cons: seems to crack about 30% faster at the neck, cost more to buy, arguably harder on your dies (but I have never noticed so. ymmv)

 

[cfullgraf]

...arguably harder on your dies (but I have never noticed so. ymmv)

My experience has been that nickel cases are harder on steel resizing dies, not any harder on carbide sizing dies.

No difference in wear and tear on mouth expanding dies or seating dies as with un-plated cases.

 

[Jack B.]

I've reloaded 38 Special nickel plated cases so many times they have hardly any nickel left on them . They look just like brass cases now.

 

[Ghost In The Fog]

Thought I would throw this out there, I'm sure you know this but just make sure it is nickle plated not aluminum.

 

[mike1340]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice.
I am going to be busy tonight on the press

 

[CPLofMARINES]

Excellent question;
Just read Star Line Brass is producing Nickel plated brass with
the same properties of conventional brass.

 

[billybob44]

"You might find tiny bits of the plating coming off "

^^^This will give problems with Steel Dies..Most all scratches to reloaded cases can be traced to this.
If you have scratches, using Steel Dies, run some 600/800grit paper through them to clean out..Bill.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I use nothing but Nickel brass cases for loading .357 Magnum ammo. They are easier to clean in the tumbler and easy to keep separate from the yellow brass .38 Special ammo. (old eyes)

 

[Walkalong]

I use nothing but Nickel brass cases for loading .357 Magnum ammo.

I load .357 plinkers in plain brass, but all my full power .357 Mag in Nickle brass. Simply to easily identify it. A habit I got in long ago and just stuck with.