What is the difference between the nickel plated brass and the regular stuff? Why is Magtech's nickel plated cheaper? Does it matter as a far as reloading or something?

The nickel doesn't oxidize and turn green is the only difference I've ever seen. Not being a hand loader, my impression is that the nickel maybe a little harder because of the plating and tad more difficult to work with in the dies.

Pistol Toter has it right. Nickel plated brass was to reduce the verdigris (greasy green oxidation) buildup on cartridges stored in contact with belt leather. It's also easier to extract and is used on higher pressure loads for that reason.

Casae resizing effort is actually reduced using plated vs non-plated brass. Most shooters that like them like the improved cosmetics and easy identification of load levels.

I have used both brass and nickle for reloading. The nickle cases seem to be harder and have a much higher tendency to develope cracks after repeated reloading. I do not use them for high volume reloading,(45 ACP, 38 Special, etc) but still use them for hunting/defense loads or blackpowder cartridges.
I have also read the nickle can accelerate wear on the carbide sizing dies, but have no proof.

Roe

Dixiedawg, I have notticed the same tendency to crack sooner than brass cases as Stranglehold has. I have quit using them because of that. As they wear out I replace with brass cases. Frank

Thanks for the replies. I was lookin' at .357 Magtech ammo in bulk on MidwayUSA. I was thinking about saving brass in hopes of starting to reload. I might just pay a little more for the regular brass so I can save it and reload it down the road.

Nickle has a higher natural lubricity than brass. Much better for autoloaders. Dubious value for revolvers. Doesn't hurt though.

You know, I've always wanted to buy some Win Silvertip bullets to load in new Rem nickle brass. Besides being pretty, I figure it'd work great when hunting vampires.

I use both brass and nickel. The nickel may not last quite as long, but I can't verify that.

THe Winchester SXT 9MM Luger 147 gr. JHPs - spendy box of 20 have nickel plated cases - I was wondering about them after I got them saturday.

thanks - good thread

As a WAG, my experience is nickle reduces case life by 20%. But, it is easier to clean, and allows quick ID on loads if they are restricted to nickle only.

Like m1gunner clearly summed up, nickel is slightly shorter-lifed, but easier to clean and load, and stores better for longer. I do use leather cartridge loops and thus prefer it for that. Also, it's shiny. We like shiny things around here - 19s, 629s, 686s, 66s, even a 1911 in nickel.

If you are a HIGH volume reloader, brass makes more sense. If not, nickel is more user friendly if you can get it for the same/similar price. if you aren't a reloader yet, don't worry, just buy the nickel and save it, you'll learn more later.