Brass Or Nickel

VTR996 · January 31, 2002, 01:08 PM

Which one is easier to read when working up loads? When you find that sweet spot,which one is the better choice to use? Around here nickel costs more, but I find that my brass lasts a little longer, is nickel stronger, or just easier to clean?

stans · January 31, 2002, 02:03 PM

I have found that nickel cases are easier to clean, but seem a little more brittle and more prone to cracking at the case mouth.

WESHOOT2 · February 1, 2002, 08:29 AM

When exploring new handloading ideas HIGHLY RECOMMEND Starline cases in every caliber.

Trust me on this.

Bottom Gun · February 1, 2002, 11:56 AM

My experience has been that nickel splits a lot more than brass with high pressure loads like .357.

With lower pressure like .45 ACP, I can't see a difference.

You may want to check out Varmint Al's websight. He tells why he avoids nickel.

Bogie · February 1, 2002, 12:12 PM

Nickel has one reason for use - it doesn't tarnish. So is slides slickly from magazine to chamber, etc...

For defensive loads in an autoloader, I'd go for nickel. For everything else, including accuracy loads in rifles, etc., I'd go with brass...

John D · February 1, 2002, 12:27 PM

Here's my two cents on nickel......pun intended!

I find nickel cases more brittle and prone to splitting. Most of my loading is for revolvers, so see no advantage over brass. Brass is longer lasting and easier to work with.

Fred · February 1, 2002, 02:10 PM

almost all of the nickel brass I've used, even in light loaded .38's has split consistently quicker than brass. Only use it if it's part of a find of mixed range brass, and wouldn't ever consider buying nickel rather than brass.

Nukem · February 1, 2002, 05:12 PM

I'm with everyone else on nickle, it splits and is very hard on your sizing dies. I only use the ones I get for free

sricciardelli · February 1, 2002, 05:42 PM

I have nickle cases in .38 Special, .357 Magnum and .45ACP. They have been loaded since the middle 1960's, up to 30 times each, and have never had a problem.

January 31, 2002, 01:08 PM	#1
VTR996 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2001 Location: OKLAHOMA Posts: 195	Brass Or Nickel Which one is easier to read when working up loads? When you find that sweet spot,which one is the better choice to use? Around here nickel costs more, but I find that my brass lasts a little longer, is nickel stronger, or just easier to clean?

February 1, 2002, 08:29 AM	#3
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	RECOMMENDATION When exploring new handloading ideas HIGHLY RECOMMEND Starline cases in every caliber. Trust me on this.

February 1, 2002, 02:10 PM	#7
Fred Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 1998 Location: CA Posts: 465	What stans and John D said... almost all of the nickel brass I've used, even in light loaded .38's has split consistently quicker than brass. Only use it if it's part of a find of mixed range brass, and wouldn't ever consider buying nickel rather than brass.

January 31, 2002, 02:03 PM	#2
stans Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2001 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 838	I have found that nickel cases are easier to clean, but seem a little more brittle and more prone to cracking at the case mouth.

February 1, 2002, 11:56 AM	#4
Bottom Gun Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 1,092	My experience has been that nickel splits a lot more than brass with high pressure loads like .357. With lower pressure like .45 ACP, I can't see a difference. You may want to check out Varmint Al's websight. He tells why he avoids nickel.

February 1, 2002, 12:12 PM	#5
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	Nickel has one reason for use - it doesn't tarnish. So is slides slickly from magazine to chamber, etc... For defensive loads in an autoloader, I'd go for nickel. For everything else, including accuracy loads in rifles, etc., I'd go with brass...

February 1, 2002, 12:27 PM	#6
John D Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: No. Arizona Posts: 442	Here's my two cents on nickel......pun intended! I find nickel cases more brittle and prone to splitting. Most of my loading is for revolvers, so see no advantage over brass. Brass is longer lasting and easier to work with.

February 1, 2002, 05:12 PM	#8
Nukem Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 709	I'm with everyone else on nickle, it splits and is very hard on your sizing dies. I only use the ones I get for free

February 1, 2002, 05:42 PM	#9
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	I have nickle cases in .38 Special, .357 Magnum and .45ACP. They have been loaded since the middle 1960's, up to 30 times each, and have never had a problem.