RE: Nickel plated brass...good or bad?
Save your $$$$$ and just use the brass cases you have. I've never bought nickel cases (other than loaded factory ammo that came with nickel cases) and I don't intend to - the extra expense is just not justified......unless you just like the look.
I've been reloading the same set of .357 brass cases(Win, Rem, & Fiochhi) for over 3 years now and have never had a case fail, crack, chip or anything - so you can load those Federals with confidence.