Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Nickel cases

Got a batch of 270 win. nickel cases recently. Once fired and deprimed. Ran them thru the sizing die. Tried backing the die off a bit but case fit in the chamber was tight. Did a full length resize. I was only working with 9 cases, some were still snug when closing the bolt. First time I have used nickel.
Rifle is an older savage 110, LH. No problems with brass cases. Confused that fully resized cases won't fit the chamber like the brass does. Also tried shortening a couple to 2.520 trim length. Didn't help.
What are your experience with nickel? Both the brass and nickel are Winchester. Purchased at the same time from the same seller.

I've had issues with nickel-plated brass and reloading; it seems like it has a lot more spring-back than regular brass, and after a few trips through the nickel tends to start peeling away from the case mouth.

If you have a shoulder comparator, you can check the nickel-plated brass against regular brass that chambers normally and see how much difference there is.

Just bump another turn. They should load just like brass. The alloy is harder and probably heavier as well. Nickle plate is harder to work with brass IME.

Good luck and shoot straight y'all

Was it fired in another rifle than yours the first time? If so it may be too large right down at the base where sizing dies don't always touch. If you have a .45 pistol die you might try pulling the decapper and running them through the sizer.

It was fired in a different rifle. Don't have a 45 pistol die tho. I have a comparator and calipers. I'll do some measuring.

Nickle plated brass needs sizing die set down further than straight brass.
Full length size down until just fits chamber of your gun and good to go.
Nickle is harder than brass.
Looks cool but takes a little extra attention. Once sized to your chamber it
should last for many firings.

My problem with nickle plated brass is that primer pockets go oversize faster than those in unplated brass. 300wm, 270,and 7mmrem mag. I've quit using it.

I've thrown all mine out as well. Its a huge PITA

The only rifle I use nickel plated brass in is for my custom .280 Rem. which I load pretty darn hot. I haven't had any problems with it and none of the complaints I'm always hearing about. Brass is Winchester brand FWIW. A close look at the "plating" looks more like a wash than an actual plating.

I did have some Remington plated brass in 7x57 that I sold quite a few years back and the plating of that brass was apparently quite thick. It also was a hell of a lot shinier, almost like a mirror. The Winchester brass seems to have a bit duller sheen.
PJ

Probably just added a little more pressure, having a heavier case due to the coating.

Back off your max load a grain or so would probably solve that problem.

I do that with nickel brass, and don't seem to have any problems. I get adequate brass life out of nickel the same as I do regular brass...

always thought a little prudence on the powder scale, produces longevity gains on brass life. its never proven me wrong yet.