This is a strange request I know, but maybe somebody here can help. I generally don’t load nickel plated cases, but I like to keep a few around to use to make up dummy rounds with the various bullets I load so I can use them to quickly set up my seating dies. I’m setting up a new batch of dummies in 32 S&W L and I need about a dozen nickel cases for my project. Does anyone know where I can get a few without having to buy in bulk?

TIA ~ Froggie

I have never seen 32 S&W Long in a nickel case. I've been shooting 32 Long since 74 and loading since 79. Is some company offering them now?

Ivan

I agree that I haven’t seen .32 Long in nickel myself, but that sure doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. But I can say that nickel .327 is widely available and can be trimmed down. You don’t get the headstamp you may want for show, but you can cut it to length for functional dummy rounds that look “right” except for the stamping.

I started using nickel dummies because I found 3-4 odd nickel cases in my miscellaneous brass. I have no clue where they came from or how I came to possess them, but if I've got those, there must have been more at some time. It would just be so handy to have those nickel dummy cartridges that would stand out when they were on the loading bench, and not get confused and mixed in with my fresh reloads.

The hunt continues!
Froggie

I load my SD rounds in nickel, they don't tarnish.

They are cleaner and slicker and don't tarnish like brass. I prefer nickel cases in rifle and handgun calibers if I can get it.......Just makes a better looking cartridge.

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S&W Accumulator

To the O.P.; If being practical will do then just color the whole dummy case with a felt pen. On the other hand I can empathize with wanting nifty odd ball cases. I own 3 once fired nickeled balloon head .45 Auto Rim cases. Obviously I need 47 more to fill a box so I can experiment with loads. You'd think the *******. who threw them in the trash would have at least left me 20.

Straying off topic, nickel only makes a better looking cartridge while the brass is young. Reload nickeled cases enough times and eventually most of the nickel rubs off onto your carbide sizing ring. It is a PIA to clean off.

I use dummy cases also to set up dies , the lack of a primer is a fairly obvious indication it's a dummy but if you want an even more obvious sign , drill a hole or two in the case ... that is easy to spot .
You can also blacken the case with Birchwood Casey Brass Black solution .
I have no idea where to find just a few nickeled 32 S&W Long cases , they are made , Winchester has them but you don't want to buy 50 or 100 cases or a box of loaded ammo .
Might try local shooting range , might turn up a few there .
Our local ranges will sell once fired brass and I'm sure they have a box of odd stuff and if they have a few , might sell them to you .
Gary


Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

Note the word "Offbeat" in the title. This term has been applied to the OP (me) as well.

It just seems like a good, easy to spot system of having nice bright nickel cased dummies to use on my loading bench so they can be spotted and utilized quickly and easily, but still look normal with the other gear. I had hoped someone would have a simple answer to the question, but apparently that's not to be. Oh well, I'll just have to keep looking, but when I find some and make up the expected dummy rounds I'll try to line them up for a family picture so you can all be envious and think, "Now why didn't I think of that. He's so clever!"

Froggie

What ever works for you is the way to go.
I just mix and match pistol cases and reload them, when they crack or split I chunk them. I have found out out that nickel plated hulls seem to split quicker than just brass.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

I have nickle plated .357 Magnum cases that I have been loading for over 35 years, and they were used when I got them. The nickle plating is almost completely worm off of them, yet only a few have split so far.

PM an address and I'll send some off. I was at a gun show a few years back and bought two bags of 250 primed, nickel, 32 long cases for $10 a bag. I have plenty of nickel cases.

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Front sight and squeeze

Remington made nickel 32 long ammo in the 50s/60s, but you'll need to check the 'old junk' areas in your LGS to find any.

Darn, I went through 14 boxes of 32L's and couldn't find any nickle ones. I could have sworn that I had seen some in my stash.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I also use dummy rounds for quick setup but never thought of using nickel ones. Thanks for the idea!

I’ll also leave a dummy round in the bin at the press so I can tell what the press was set up for last time I used it just by looking.

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Jim