If you’ve been surfing through the pages of this website, you’ve likely noticed the array of mirror-like cartridges that sit among the defensive, and target lines of ammunition. These cartidges are not made out of aluminum, what you’re seeing are high-quality nickel-plated brass cases that Underwood chooses for mission-critical ammunition. 

Nickel has a lower coefficient of friction than brass, which is just the scientific way of saying that it is slicker. For these reasons, it is going to chamber and eject more smoothly and, if you reload, flow through your dies with ease. If your life might depend on this one day, it’s not a bad idea to prefer for cartridges featuring this technology, as it puts every advantage on your side. 

Nickel-plated cartridges also resist corrosion better than brass, which is a concern for ammo that might be exposed to weather conditions for periods of long time. As this ammunition is going to spend an elongated period of time out in the elements, these are going to have to hold up to temperature swings and their associated condensation. 

The third reason for choosing nickel-plated cases is their enhanced low-light visibility. Nickel plated brass cases have better reflection properties vs regular brass and makes them easier to perform chamber checks under low light conditions. 

In closing, nickel-plating is for much more than just looks. If you plan on storing these rounds long term, reusing them after they have seen some weather, or just want excellent brass to reload, give these products a closer look. Sometimes the value of products like these doesn’t appear until it’s too late. Hope this entry helps you to avoid that.