Reloading Nickel-Plated Cases?

jtduncan · January 30, 2001, 11:58 AM

Just picked up some 10mm brass at the range last night.

The guy picked up all of his 10mm brass, put each case in the plastic tray and then offered them to me since he didn't reload.

I was ticked to get the 10mm brass, but I also recovered some nickel-plated cases from some Black Talons someone shoot.

My RO said they are fine to reload. But I was under the impression that they cracked or split sooner since they were meant for self defense loads once.

Am I being paranoid or can you safely reload your spent nickel-plated cases?

SORRY folks. I just searched the archives and found the answer. i'll reload them but really watch for splitting.

[Edited by jtduncan on 01-30-2001 at 12:21 PM]

Good Guy · January 30, 2001, 12:38 PM

I experience many more split cases with the 38spl/357 when reloading nickled brass than I do with unplated cases. Something probably like 3:1 nickle to brass ratio. However with 45acp, nickle-plated cases work just as well as standard brass. None of my reloads are "HOT". Go figure. I'd use those nickled 10mm cases without hesitation. Just inspect your cases before and after resizing. Other people I've talked with love nickled cases for reloading. I personally prefer standard brass. For self defense I use factory ammo.

Quantrill · January 30, 2001, 12:57 PM

Use'm Not to worry! Quantrill

Southla1 · January 30, 2001, 02:07 PM

I made a "haul" out of the State of louisiana's 55 gallon barrel of empty brass at the firing range at the Angola State Prison years ago. Got a 5 gallon bucket of nickel .357's and a 5 gallon bucket of nickel .45 ACP's. never ahda problem with either one of them including hot loaded .357's. Like Quantrill said USE EM!

January 30, 2001, 11:58 AM	#1
jtduncan Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 1999 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Posts: 1,686	Just picked up some 10mm brass at the range last night. The guy picked up all of his 10mm brass, put each case in the plastic tray and then offered them to me since he didn't reload. I was ticked to get the 10mm brass, but I also recovered some nickel-plated cases from some Black Talons someone shoot. My RO said they are fine to reload. But I was under the impression that they cracked or split sooner since they were meant for self defense loads once. Am I being paranoid or can you safely reload your spent nickel-plated cases? SORRY folks. I just searched the archives and found the answer. i'll reload them but really watch for splitting. [Edited by jtduncan on 01-30-2001 at 12:21 PM] __________________ The Seattle SharpShooter Reloaded .223 Rem, 9mm, 40SW, 357 SIG, 10mm, 44 Mag, 45 ACP Today?

January 30, 2001, 12:57 PM	#3
Quantrill Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 1999 Location: Arizona, USA Posts: 725	Nickel Cases Use'm Not to worry! Quantrill

January 30, 2001, 12:38 PM	#2
Good Guy Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 1999 Posts: 638	I experience many more split cases with the 38spl/357 when reloading nickled brass than I do with unplated cases. Something probably like 3:1 nickle to brass ratio. However with 45acp, nickle-plated cases work just as well as standard brass. None of my reloads are "HOT". Go figure. I'd use those nickled 10mm cases without hesitation. Just inspect your cases before and after resizing. Other people I've talked with love nickled cases for reloading. I personally prefer standard brass. For self defense I use factory ammo.

January 30, 2001, 02:07 PM	#4
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	I made a "haul" out of the State of louisiana's 55 gallon barrel of empty brass at the firing range at the Angola State Prison years ago. Got a 5 gallon bucket of nickel .357's and a 5 gallon bucket of nickel .45 ACP's. never ahda problem with either one of them including hot loaded .357's. Like Quantrill said USE EM!