I'm looking to buy some Norma brass for my .270 wsm. I understand that this brass is thicker and therefore stiffer. Does this create higher pressures and as a resultshould I back off my loads a bit????

So far my best (Great)accuracy has been with 59 grains of IMR 4350 in once firedWin. brassand I'm reluctant to change anything.

Thanks,
Bill

Thicker dies not mean stiffer.I have actually found Norma brass to be relatively soft compared to some other brands.Thicker brass will however result in less internal volume which will cause higher pressure with the same load.

The thickness of the brass is not what gives it its strength (ie durability). The pressure is always contained by the chamber not the brass. It is the ability of the brass to expand "along with the chamber" and then spring back without splitting or failing to spring back that determines the durabilty of brass. Norma and Laupa are names that seem to be favorites of the serious reloaders due primarily to consistency in weight and metallurgy.

I use Lapua brass wherever possible due to the consistent dimensions and uniformity.I don't even bother preparing the flash holes with Lapua brass.

Thanks Guy's....Less preparing and longer life are two of the reasons I'll spend more to have the best componants. I am certainly new to reloading andsincemy first outing wasso good.I'm try not to screw it up.I guess I just have to load up with the same charge and see what happens???
All the best....
Bill

Personally,I would weigh the Norma brass and the Winchester brass.If the Norma brass is heavier,I would consider reducing the powder charge.

There was a time when Norma brass was indeed softer, and required lower max loads than Win. or Remington cases. This was not due to diminished capacity, but softer brass. I don't know if this is still true, however. But starting low cannot harm anything.

Bear in mind if it is thicker capacity will be slightly less and that will increase pressure some.