A couple of reloading questions
Today I built a load for my .357 mag for Arkansas’s Opening Day next weekend. I used the a 158 grain Nosler bullet, Norma brass, and Accurate No 5. I used the Nosler guide as my resource. Here are my questions:
Does velocity= penetration? Is this a good general guideline? If so, what velocities am I looking for to ensure good penetration of a Whitetail? My Nosler guide stated that the minimum load in their testing was 1258 f.p.s? That was the load that had the best accuracy, hands down. Is that enough to humanely do the job?
Does anyone have any experience with Norma brass? I found the Norma ammunition on sale, shot it, and save the brass. That being said, it seems really thin. I lost a couple pieces of brass while resizing. The press didn’t come up at the right angle and it caused bulges in the brass.
Is the following picture of a primer a high pressure sign. I know the primer is something to check. I’ve never seen one like this.
I would be careful pushing the newer Nosler handgun bullets too fast. The "Sporting Handgun" bullet line are very soft. I also would avoid using a hollow point design in .357 for deer hunting. Bullet placement and penetration will trump velocity. I would be using a bonded/cast bullet in .357 Seems strange that you have pierced primers across three diff loads including a starting load. Makes me think they are not seated correctly.