Nickel or steel?

[xero2099]

Was given some old spent ammo was thinking of keeping it to reload but don't know if it can be

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[Len-2A Training]

Pic isn't that good. If shiny likely nickel plated and those are excellent. If dull, usually steel and not reloadable.

 

[xero2099]

A better photo I hope

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[DW357]

That's got to be a nickel plated case. I can't imagine Federal made steel cased ammo. Though they do make aluminum cased ammo so maybe I'm wrong?
I had some nickel plated brass with the red sealant around the primer just like in your photo. I sold off all the nickel plated cases because I didn't like the extra force needed to resize the cases compared to standard brass. YMMV.

 

[chris_1001]

Magnet?

 

[one-eyed Jack]

In the old days, we used this thing called a "magnet". Jack.

 

[NavelOfficer]

Should be conventional, run-of-the-mill nickle-plated. Reload just like your brass cases.
Steel is easily detected with a magnet, but I doubt you'll come across many steel .38 Special cases.
There is the Blazer aluminum, of course, which is not meant to be reloaded. The primer is of the berdan variety (at least it has a bar at the base of the case to prevent normal decapping) which purposely keeps you from trying to reload it.
Rarely, you may find some foreign brass cases which are also berdan-primed.

 

[xero2099]

That's got to be a nickel plated case. I can't imagine Federal made steel cased ammo. Though they do make aluminum cased ammo so maybe I'm wrong?
I had some nickel plated brass with the red sealant around the primer just like in your photo. I sold off all the nickel plated cases because I didn't like the extra force needed to resize the cases compared to standard brass. YMMV.

thanks for info

 

[xero2099]

i found a magnet and checked them it didnt stick so i have my answer Thanks for replys

 

[Steve Marshall]

I hope I'm not the only one who read these posts..... in disbelief.

 

[Glockster30]

I hope I'm not the only one who read these posts..... in disbelief.

No, you are not alone in that regard.

 

[Al-Jim19]

I have a follow up question: how long has it been since k mart sold ammo?

 

[xtry51]

Pic isn't that good. If shiny likely nickel plated and those are excellent. If dull, usually steel and not reloadable.

There is nothing that makes steel unreloadable. I reload steel all the time for 223 and 9mm. In mixed batches. It processes exactly the same as brass with no changes.

 

[Rugerfan]

I reload lots of .38 spl.. Plated cases only last for 4 to 6 reloadings, no matter what power level. The case mouth cracks eventually.

Plain brass on the other hand hardly ever does that. The primer pocket wears out on them first most of the time.