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Benefits of Nickel-Plated Casings
If you’re in the market for more ammo, you might be considering nickel-plated brass cases, or you might want to add nickel-plating to existing brass ammo cases. There are a few benefits of choosing nickel-plated casings:
- Corrosion resistance: A common complaint people have about brass cases is that over time, the metal starts to corrode, producing green spots called verdigris. Applying a nickel coating to the brass stops corrosion, as the nickel barrier completely envelops the brass.
- Easy loading: Both nickel or brass cases make for easy reloading, but nickel-plated brass has a lower coefficient of friction than just brass. This means the cartridges with nickel-plated casing slide into a gun better. The low coefficient of friction also allows for smoother and easier extraction of nickel-plated cases. Nickel-plated cases are less likely to jam or get stuck in the weapon.
- Easy to see: The color of nickel-plated casings can make them easier to see, both when firing a gun and when inspecting the chamber of a gun to see if it is loaded or not.
- Improved strength: Adding a layer of nickel to a brass case can strengthen the case’s material, making it last longer.
Although there are many benefits to choosing nickel-plated casings, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Nickel-plated brass cases have a higher per-case price than brass cases or cases made from steel or aluminum. Depending on the plating quality, there is also a potential for the nickel to flake off the casing. Choosing a process, such as
electroless nickel plating on brass, that produces a smooth and durable coating will ensure the quality of nickel-plated brass cases.