Annealed Brass Question

[tallgun]

After the brass is annealed, should it be resized for neck tension ??

 

[Immike]

It's best to anneal before sizing brass. Annealing restored the spring back.

 

[tallgun]

Thanks Mike

 

[kelbro]

I've done it both ways and really can't tell the difference. Be consistent. Do it the same way every time.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Anneal before sizing.

 

[Immike]

Clean - then anneal - then resize and prep

This is correct to clean before the heat is applied so they all are heated the same. The dirty case will be insulated from the flame to a degree. I also clean with steel wool after the annealing to protect the dies.

 

[jlow]

One of the main reasons to anneal is to soften the metal of the neck of the case in a consistent manner so that when you resize your brass, the neck will size down consistently and in turn give you consistent neck tension. Consistent neck tension is key for precise and accurate handloads.

So sizing after anneal is the correct sequence for handloading. If you are annealing only to soften the neck so that it does not split and you are not really into precision reloading then it really does not matter.

 

[Longtrain]

Much easier to control shoulder bumping after annealing, very consistent results of .001 to .0015 bumping.

 

[kelbro]

Annealing after sizing provides the same effect as annealing before sizing. Bullets expand the necks either way. Seating pressure is equal. I have measured both ways. Both the force required to seat and the chrono readings. I did not see a difference.

Seems like the potential for pushing the neck/shoulder junction back a little too much is greater if you anneal before sizing.

 

[firearmdoc1]

Resize after annealing

 

[CaptainMal]

Oh man I anneal, then clean and then re-size.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Kelbro, adjust your die properly and you don't have to worry about bumping shoulder back too much.

You get more consistent shoulder bump after annealing.

Clean, anneal, resize.

 

[kelbro]

Kelbro, adjust your die properly and you don't have to worry about bumping shoulder back too much.

You get more consistent shoulder bump after annealing.

Clean, anneal, resize.

Yep, that's how I usually do it but as noted above, there is no difference in measurements or velocity when tested on several calibers.

I set my headspace up roughly .0015 larger than a piece of FLR brass so I don't often need to bump the shoulders back very much.

Can't help it, I'm just a chronic experimenter