Thread: Reloading Nickel (?) cases

Hey guys, a mate of mine has been shooting Winchester premium ballistic tip ammo (not 100% on the details) and wants to reload them. Calibre is 308 win.

The cases are silver in color. Do we need to do anything different with sizing etc than regular brass? Is it nickel?

Any help appreciated

No difference. I have loaded them in 300WM and 7mmRM in exactly the same way I load "normal" brass. Just keep an eye on the condition of the cases as I have heard that the nickle can crack/peel off in time. Not that I have ever had that happen to me.

Nope! Just reload them as normal with the normal amount of case lube. The nickelled cases are slightly 'slipperyer' than regular brass but still need lube.

Sweet thanks guys, just one of those times when something is different I feel like asking people who know is the best approach lol

As above. I've used them alongside normal brass without problems.

Also, is the Hornady case lube any good? Just the stuff in the little bottle, not interested in trying to track down some one shot.

Or am I better off making my own out of lanolin and alcohol?

never had an issue with hornady case lube. just remember a little goes along way

As above for reloading. You can’t anneal them so life expectancy is about 5 cycles before necks start to crack IME.

I found them a bit harder but all good...as for lube..I use good old vasoline on fingertips,twirl case to leave light smear all over case body...dip necks in powdered graphite sitting in wee jar lid with some steel shot.

My 223 target rifle came with nickled cases (Federal ones) and based on the dodgy old interweb I was initially a bit underwhelmed.

However they are now on at least their 8 or 9th reloading and still going strong - no annealing just F/L sized. Load is pretty stiff too!

I find they seem to last well compared to the normal brass shells. My son has some for his 300 Rum which he got with the rifle when he bought it, that was many many years ago and they still load up ok , they have had a few loads now.

Imperial sizing wax is real good, when you need to buy more. A tin costs about $18 to $30 and lasts for several thousand rounds.
One little finger swipe will do several cases, and if you lube up half a dozen at a time you can borrow some off the first case to smear on the last case.
( I'm a real value for money kinda guy )