If you want to get the maximum number of loadings out of the casing, use brass.
I like the nickle plated because it cleans up easier, stays bright longer and is easier to find in the grass at the range. Theoretically you will get fewer loadings out of the plated brass, but if you lose the non-plated in the grass after the first loading the point is moot.
That pretty much sums it up.
Brass will last 10 time longer than nickel. The heat and expansion. contraction process takes a toll on the nickel.
I guess it is easy for me to say when I get 15K of once fired given to me every month.
The nickle is actually plated. The thickness of the plating varies from maker to maker. Nickle has a rep of developing splits at the mouths earlier but I have never seen any real controlled tests of this. I have some nickle plated brass in .38 Spl and 9mm that has been loaded so many times the nickle is actually worn thin. The brass underneath is showing through and these have not developed cracks.
9mm brass is so plentyful that if you "only" get 4 loadings out of it, it is easily replaced. Might be an issue in 300 WSM or some semi-exotic rifle cartridges but in 9mm, if it cracks it will be readily apparent. Just toss it.
I guess it is easy for me to say when I get 15K of once fired given to me every month.
I wonder if people realize just how valuble brass is.
I don't get it how people just throw it away, (or give 150K to a friend). It makes me mad to think that I used to throw it away. I'd have several thousand, "i know the quality" brass.
I like my friends. . . . I just could use a few thousand dollars too.
Dude, hook a brotha up!