280Rem. Brass vs Nickel

[roysclockgun]

I have never hand loaded using nickel cases. With a rifle that I swapped for, I am getting 40 once fired nickel cases, 280Rem., fired from the rifle. My question is: Should I handle nickel cases any differently than I handle brass? Are nickel cases better than brass? Not as good, or "all same-same"? Are their any advantages to using nickel, over brass? Can nickel more easily score the chamber?
Best,
Steven

 

[RiverRider]

I'd handle nickel-plated cases differently---right into the trashcan. The nickel can begin to flake and scratch the devil out of your sizing die. I believe that nickel-plated cases are also hard on case trimmer cutters. There are NO nickel-plated cases in my component stash!

 

[DrMike]

For a long time, I trashed nickle plated cases. I now use them after careful inspection to ensure that they are not flaking. Actually, I'm getting a surprising number of reloads with nickel cases in my 280, my 7mm RM and my7 300 WSM. I'm slowly being won over to the dark side on this issue.

 

[Polaris]

I like nickel cases for my hunting ammo. They feed a little slicker and are easier to see in the dark if you drop 'em. They are easier to clean the grit and gunk off of and don't require tumbling ever. They resist corrosion and are easier to find at the range. I wouldn't use them for multiple handloads in a semi auto due to the flaking issue. I don't believe they are hard on case trimmers, Ni is much softer than a hardened steel cutter. I think the die or chamber scratching issue is due to dirty cases as the nickel will not allow grit particles to imbed in the case. Rather they roll along the surface like broken glass pieces. Make sure they're clean and use 'em.

 

[corbin9191]

I use nickle brass for a couple of my rifles and I really like it so far. There have been no problems with the nickle plating flaking off. Plus I like how easy the nickle brass will polish up. But I do anneal the brass after each firing on the brass, because I don't want the neck to split. But that's my .02

 

[rick smith]

Been loading nic brass for years without a problem. Trimmed thousands on the same trimmer and it still cuts a clean flat surface. I form nic 300 Savage brass into 308x1.5 Barnes cases and have fired them many times. Never ruined a die, chamber or a trimmer. I process it the same as regular brass.Rick.

 

[JD338]

I use some nickel plated cases and have never had a problem.

JD338

 

[roysclockgun]

Thank you all for the informed replies. I will reload the nickel cases along side the new brass that I bought and report my own experiences.
Best,
Steven

 

[PJGunner]

I treat nickel plted brass exactly the same way I treat brass cases. Someone mentioned annealing fter ecach firing. I do not think you have to go that far. I anneal mys brass after every fifth fiting, brass cases or nickel plated with no change in how I handle them. When it comes to the flaking issue, none of my brass has done that yet and some cases have been loaded 10 times. That brass is showing a lot of yellow these days but they have never flaked My brass, both types do spend a bit of time in the tumbler and that shiny nickel finish has slowly been worn away. THis has all been winchester .280 Rem. brass.It's held up very well for me. I like it enough that I just bought up 4 more bags.
Paul B.

 

[longwinters]

I use nickel brass for my 280 because that is all I can ever find around here. But I have had no problems with it at all over the course of 5 years. It has been reloaded probably 5 times.

Long

 

[DrMike]

My hunting ammunition for my 280 is still built with Norma or Nosler brass. I do have the Winchester nickel plated cases, and I have loaded some with the 140 grain BST. They look quite pretty, but I am much happier with Norma brass or Nosler brass.

 

[SJB358]

I use nickel with the 270WSM and have been loading on the same brass for quite awhile. It is tough stuff, holds up really well to full tilt loads and looks good cleaned up. I have found no issues with it. Scotty

 

[RiverRider]

Looks like I am ALL alone with my point of view. Oh well.

The flaking issue is not something I have experienced myself, but it was something written about by someone whose opinion I value. About those case trimmer cutter heads, though...I had some nickeled Winchester .357 brass a few years back---well, okay then, it was a long freekin' time ago! Anyway, it did a number on my RCBS trimmer's cutter head. I haven't used nickeled brass since.

 

[roysclockgun]

River Rider wrote : "Looks like I am ALL alone with my point of view. Oh well."

River Rider, I for one, appreciate all responses that as yours, are delivered in good faith. After reading your posts and those from others, I will use the 40 nickel cases that the seller sent me with the rifle, but I shall heed your warning and watch for flaking.
Best,
Steven

 

[Hawkeye270]

Reload them, but inspect. I don`t buy nickel, but if I get some other ways I keep them. Once I tried to rezise 30-06 Sprg nickel brass into 270 Win........that You should not try.
Like someone else said, they are easyer to clean.

 

[rick smith]

River Rider, I use the Electric RCBS trimmer and once trimmed 800 357 nic cases over the course of one day. That was 20yrs ago and I still use the same trimmer head, still cuts clean. No problems.Rick.

 

[RiverRider]

I believe you Rick...but I also had that one experience with the .357 brass. It really does have me wondering. It was as though the cases were steel instead of brass. I understand the "work hardening" concept, but really! I am beginning to think maybe there were some nickel-plated steel cases made at one time.