Brass or plated?

[Raiderh20boy]

Just wondering, all things being equal, would you rather reload brass or plated cases. Why??

[JagerDog]

I use both.

My hot 45 Colts goes in nickel for identification.

[TomReloaded]

Brass. Nickel cases tend to split.

[Che762x39]

Brass better longevity

[pacrat]

Brass. Nickel cases tend to split.

Brass better longevity

And something the reloading manufacturers don't mention. Sizing nickel cases, even with carbide dies. Does require a bit of lube every other case or so during sizing.

Reason is that nickel plating is very hard, but not quite as hard a carbide. The "Pressure and Friction" of the sizing. Rubs small particles of nickel off the case, without lube, and deposits it on the die. This nickel builds up, and then scratches the crap out of cases

[tanks]

Just wondering, all things being equal, would you rather reload brass or plated cases. Why??

Depends. On my .500 NE I reload softs using nickel and solids using brass. That way in Africa there is no confusion which ones to grab off my belt. I do segregate the rounds on the belt as well, but this makes a secondary check.

[slayer61]

In our house, the brass is range ammo. Nickle plated is self defense ammo. Makes it easy to differentiate.

[mikeyr]

as already stated, Brass for most everything. Plated tends to split pretty easy but I do use it for special loads to identify them as special.

[capo602002]

Both - Nickel is easier to spot and pick up at indoor range.

[Snoopy47]

Brass. Nickel cases tend to split.

Yep, yep, and yep.

Oh I loved loading up an entire box of nickel, but invariably, when a case hits the ground and makes that unmistakable bell ring of a split case it's nearly always a nickel case.

I've even stopped picking them up, and pull them out of my loading when I come across from them.

[Revoman]

Absolutely BRASS, I don't use anything else.

[BrassCase]

I use both.

My hot 45 Colts goes in nickel for identification.

I also use nickel for identification. My 9mm 147 gr loads get nickel cases and if I'm going to shoot rifle then some may get nickel, again to quickly differentiate them.

For me, they also move a little smoother through dies. I also anneal nickel rifle cases.

[robert101]

Brass for typical reloading. Nickel for those loads that are more specialized and full power. The nickel has no positive impact on their ability to withstand higher loads. All my loads are within manuf. spec.

[aspenvalley]

I lose to much brass to care. Just load it all.

[hambam105]

Nickel plated cases make the bullets go faster. A guy at the gun show said so you know it has to be true.