Looking at past notes on loads using brass and nickle plated cases, I made entries on a few nickle case loads that spiked faster fps then the other 4 test cartridges.

These were the 2nd load with these nickle cases.The suspect nickle case had a little more base expansion as well.

My note suggested perhaps more neck prep needed. Tight neck, not chamfered enough -something related to the case.

None of the brass loads with same powder/bullet combo had signs of other than normal pressures.

Anyone else have similar experiences with nickle cases?

No.
I even fireformed 280, to 280ai, with no issues.

I have some nickel plated brass that started life as 280rem that I formed into 8x57. I haven't noticed any difference in accuracy, speed, or case growth.

Nope.

I'm still trying to scratch a die with nickel flakes - 30 years and no "luck" yet . . .

It is the porous property of the nickel plating that allows carrying of grit that results in scratching of dies, not nickel flaking. The other downside to nickel plated cases is shorter case life due to Hydrogen embrittlement of the nickel plating that results in cracked cases sooner than in unplated cases.

I haven't had a problem with the nickel plated Winchester .280 Remington brass that I use.
Paul B.

Got a couple hunnert nickel 22-250 cases NOS.

Thought I'd mention that and try to fit in. How's it working?

LOL

I think they have some advantages and some disadvantages.
For hunting loads where you load up the ammo and have it loaded a while, they stay bright and shiny. Brass eventually gets dull and even possibly starts to corrode.

But, for repeated firing and loading, I'd rather have brass. The nickel actually gets dull from tumbling, and even starts to show the brass through over time. Still usable, just not pretty like the first loading.

30 years ago I fireformed a bunch of Remington .280 Nickel cases to 35 Whelen AI using the COW method with no problems, and they held up fine for many firings. I was pretty amazed at how apparently "flexible" that plating was. I think maybe things were better back then. I have seen some more modern nickel cases start to flake without anything other than normal resizing done to them.

What about annealing nickel plated brass? I’ve never done it.

MuskegMan: I'm with you on the puzzlement of the "die scratching" rumors when using nickel plated brass.
I have been using it in several of my Rifles starting about 45 (forty five!) years ago with Federal 222 Remington nickel plated brass.
I like the stuff and have noticed NO mysteries attributed to it in my extensive reloaidng of them.
Hope the original posters mystery is resolved somehow.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I have annealed and expanded the case necks of Remington nickel plated 30-06 cases formed into .35 Whelen. I'm still shooting them, several reloadings later. No problems.

I have experienced scratched case necks after loading a bunch of .308 nickel plated cases, but spinning a wire brush coated with steel wool easily cleaned up the die and the problem went away.

I kinda like nickel plated brass for specialty hunting loads that may be stored for several years and only used on special occasions. Such as solids for my .375 H&H. Easy to identify, and doesn't tarnish.

Good to know about the annealing as I was wondering that myself.

I have been annealing my nickel plated .280 brass without any problems occurring.
Paul B.

Have used nickel plated brass both RP and Win in 270win and 30-06 for several years with no problems. Dan.

The nickel plated ones are supposed to be less prone to corrosion. I prefer brass and I would pay more for brass.

I’ve never reloaded one. They look cool.

I have used Winchester nickel-plated .280 cases that I fireformed to 280AI. Never an issue, OK concentricity and good case life.