9 mm bullet casings

[xmountain]

I'm wondering if the bullets below are aluminum or nickel-plated brass.

If you go to http://www.ammoman.com/ and browse the 9mm page and check out the pictures for the second listing on the page... Federal 124 Grain Hydra-Shok JHP the bullet cases are silver colored. Does anyone know if those cases are aluminum or nickel-coated brass? What are the advantages of nickel plating the brass? $119- 250 rounds, is this a good deal?

 

[MMCSRET]

They are nickel plated brass. Advantage: they do not corrode or tarnish as fast, easier to find in the dirt and grass, polish and clean up faster prior to reloading. I'm sure others can find more advantages.

 

[xmountain]

Does nickel plated brass cause any added wear and tear on a 9mm gun, is it safe to use? The old steel vs. brass debate but it's brass vs. nickel-plated brass.

 

[Steve C]

A large percentage of ammunition has nickle plated brass and its no different to shoot than unplated brass. On occasion as a handloader I've found some nickle plated brass that will split or crack with fewer reloadings than an non plated brass case but this isn't universal as I have other nickle plated cases that have gone through many years and so many reloads that the nickle is mostly worn off.

The purpose of the nickle plating is to eliminate the corrosion you get on brass cases, esp. if they're carried in leather holsters or cartridge loops.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Nickel plating is no harder than brass, and is certainly far softer than the steel in the barrel.