I've reloaded nickel brass for several years with no problems.

I have some nickel plated Remington Peters that I have been using in my 8mm-06. When I shoot what I have loaded, I will be done with them. I won't comment about the flaking part because I don't know. What I do know is that I have been shaving the sides of my bullets when I seat them into the nickel cases. I noticed a ring of copper shavings that would form at the case neck after seating the bullets in the seating die. This was easy enough to wipe off but when I pulled a few of the bullets, I noticed that bullets were being scatched. This can not be good for accuracy.

The only real purpose I know of for the nickel is to keep the cases clean.

If you are more concerned about how accurate your rifle shoots instead of cosmetics, do your self a favor and buy some of the Nosler custom brass.