[1redgmc]

Does anyone have experience with reloading nickel plated cases?

I've come across an opportunity to pick a sizeable amount up and wondered if there are any issues to consider?

I've read a lot of conflicting stories - but would rather hear from someone who has actually reloaded them (or knows someone who has).

Thanks!

 

[MickeyC]

They reload fine. I find they don't seem to clean up as nicely but that may be down to my polish. I've heard they don't last as long as brass cases but so far i've done some .223 cases four times with no issues so far. I've got some .40S&W brass that has gone 12 times and some .45 that has gone past 15 loads.

 

[tacweapon]

Is the Silver Bear Nickel Plated ?

Sorry to go of topic but I 1500 rounds laying around so if it is worth keeping the cases I'd like to know before I shoot it all

Thanks I can not seem to remeber if it is or not

 

[MickeyC]

They are steel cased.

 

[tacweapon]

They are steel cased.

Thanks Mickey

I was not sure since the case looked silver I did not know if it was just a coating or not

 

[gunner69]

Sorry Sports fans, as Micky pointed out, steel cases are NOT reloadable. Remember Nickle Cases MUST also be lubed prior to resize. I especially like the nickle platted 45-70 cases......... as I open my Sharpes and snatch a 500 grain Silver Cartridge to load. >

 

[MickeyC]

Some steel cased ammo is zinc washed or brass washed to improve feeding. This does not mean you can reload them.

FYI: Nickle is used to plate some cases as it is believed to be slicker and thus reduces feed issues.

 

[DSM]

There's actually a small movmement on relaoding the newer Boxer primed Wolf cases without the laquer coating. Some folks have gotten 15+ loads without no case stretching and without trimming. Size the neck and you're hauling the mail again. I posted this somewhere else on here but this is something that kind of sparks my curiosity but something I'd like to see a little more data on. Still don't think I'd do it though!

 

[1redgmc]

Sounds like the general consensus is that there are no significant issues with reloading the nickel plated cases and that carbide dies / lube deliver the best results.

I appreciate the input and welcome whatever info (pros and cons) you folks may have to offer.

Thanks! ;D

 

[aziator]

The only thing I have notices in reloading the nickel cases (9mm and 45 ACp for me) is that when using a plated lead bullet (Like Berry's) the bullets sometimes were "trimmed" by the case mouth during seating. It was like a few of them didn't take the bell in the mouth.

Mostly, I don't have any issues loading them.