nickel cases?

[guns3738]

What is it with nickel cases? Why do people like them? Is there any reson to use them over standard yellow brass?
Thanks

 

[Reefinmike]

They dont tarnish
They tend to split before standard
Brass
People like them because they're pretty.

 

[trentcwwilson]

I've reloaded 38/357 for years and have yet to find a positive use for them. They don't last as long as standard brass. I guess it's a 'oh look, shiny shiny' factor.

 

[guns3738]

Thanks for the quick answers

 

[TfflHndn]

I do think they look better. For carry, they don't tarnish with extended sitting in a mag or loading strip. They are easier to see when chamber-checking your weapon in low light. Personally, I tend to use brass in my target loads and nickle in my SD loads.

 

[GBExpat]

Nickle-plated cases in contact with leather do not develop verdigris like the brass cases.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

They are supposed to be better for SD ammo because the won't stick in the chamber when left there for long periods of time.

I like nickel .357 Magnum brass because they clean up easier than yellow brass. Also, I have old eyes so all my .38 Special brass is yellow and all my .357 Magnum brass is nickel plated. I can't mix them up at the range lol.

I have a feeling it's just for marketing. Like said above, they are pretty so in turn they can charge more.

 

[trentcwwilson]

I've recently been buying loads of perfecta 357 for the brass cases. I've carried my model 66 smith for years and no brass issues. Like Arch said, he doesn't have to really work as separating brass. I do. And all my brass looks brand new after well over 10 reloads. If you have the money, consider tumbling, wet with stainless pins preferred.

 

[Catpop]

I've always used nickel 357. Since 1973 in fact. I get 15 to 20 reloads per case. I have never cleaned them, just reloaded them thru carbide dies. I do occasionally trim them 1 or 2 times.
If anyone has any nickel they do not care to use, I would love to trade or buy them from you.

 

[Kp321]

Purely personal. I load 38 Special in brass cases and 357 Mag in nickel cases. Difference is immediately apparent without close inspection or reading the head stamp.

 

[Reloadron]

Aren't they actually nickel plated brass?

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Corrosion resistance and smooth feeding have my vote plus when used in a leather cartridge belt leather reacts with brass making for an ugly shade of green is my read.

I still have what remains of 500 30-06 Springfield cases I bought about 20 years ago. They look like the day I got them but so does some of my brass from that era that was in 1 gallon zip loc bags.

Ron

 

[JimKirk]

I like them because they are easier to spot in/on the grass/ground when shooting my autos ...

 

[trentcwwilson]

Just wondering, but I load what is basically my old man's brass. Would I be correct in assuming most 357s back in the 80s and 90s were nickle plated?

 

[GBExpat]

... plus when used in a leather cartridge belt leather reacts with brass making for an ugly shade of green ...

Verdigris

 

[Reloadron]

Verdigris

Thank You & Exactly.

Ron