Nickel & Brass Casing Reload Probs

[88 man]

Hi Guys
I just started reloading for my Win 86 in 45-90 using an original Winchester hand loader in 45-90 cal ( boroughed from another cgn member ) made around 1900.I started using the nickel brass I have and everyone I made ended up crushing the casing so I stopped at #7.When I used the brass casings all went well and no probs.I'm using a 300 gr flat nose hollow point with corn meil as a filler as I'm using 36 gr imr 4198 smokeless powder.Are the nickel casings harder than the brass casings and this is why they are crushing in the hand loader?.I'm putting just enough corn meil in to touch the bottom of the bullet when seated so the powder doesn't move from the primer.The brass casings turned out fine and will be trying them out this week and hope to get a deer with my 86 on my deer hunt.
Thanks, 88

 

[senior]

Yes nickel is harder brass, i'd just stick with reg cases.
Unless the corn meal is compressed by the bullet it will allow the powder to thoughly mix with it if carried in a pocket or ?
I prefer to use just a piece of toilet paper, on my 50-70, i square rolled up will compress onto the powder holding it snug against the base. Works perfect with very clean burns. I would recommend you try it instead of the meal.
Luck with your 86 & the Big buck