I load a lot of 9mm, 38 Special, 40 S&W, 44 special, and 45 ACP using both normal brass an nickel plated cases. Over the years i have noticed that nickel lated brass does not have the longevity of normal brass cases. There is a greater tendency for case splits which appears more frequently with Remington brass but does also occur with Winchester and Federal brass. I had one batch of 357 magnum R-P nickel plated cases in which ca. 5 to 10% would split upon each reloading.