Annealing and mandrel sizing

[Scott-ak]

I just finished sizing the first 200 annealed 308 cases. I learned that annealing cooks out any form of lube so each neck id needs a dab with a q-tip before running the mandrel in. I was not prepared for that. Lubing the id isn't that big of a deal it's cleaning the stuff out so powder doesn't coat the inside of the neck when they are charged. Anyone that has any tips they would be appreciated!

 

[big5ifty]

Use graphite. There is a Redding product

Dry neck lube.

 

[David Christian]

I use a carbide mandrel and no lube is needed.

 

[RegionRat]

Do you anneal and then size, or the other way around?
What lube is present when you anneal?

 

[rijndael]

I learned that annealing cooks out any form of lube so each neck id needs a dab with a q-tip before running the mandrel in

Another improvement step, tumble after you anneal. It makes the brass feel less sticky, regardless of lube, for the mandrel & die.

 

[60723]

I think annealing should be done before sizing to prevent work hardening. I don’t use any lube inside necks when I use a mandrel except when I mandrel new Lapua brass. A great tip- put about 10 drops of Lockeze in a bottle top and dip a q-tip in it. Use as lube inside the necks before mandrel. You can lube 100 cases really fast. No cleanup necessary. Much easier and cleaner than powdered graphite.

 

[JMayo]

I've got a couple of hundred I've turned but haven't loaded yet. I hadn't thought of powder sticking to thick lube necks.
This is gonna be a pita ...

I know @P1ZombieKiller runs them in a vibrator or tumbler before shipping them.
I don't want to pick out media ...

Ultrasonic cleaner maybe.

Maybe to swish in alcohol & relube with normal neck lube for seating.

I'm watching for good answers.

 

[PopCharlie]

I use Imperial sizing wax to lube cases for both full length sizing and neck sizing over a mandrel. I then spin the cases in a case holder, chucked in a drill. I wipe the lube off the outside with a paper towel. I use a q-tip to clean the lube out of the necks. This works for me. I don't get powder stuck to the inside of the neck. I typically run batches of 25 pieces of brass. I do anneal after every firing.

PopCharlie

 

[Bc'z]

After annealing I use 1shot to lube brass before sizing in a bushing die with appropriate bushing for desired tension, no mandrel needed thats the bullets job in the process.
Wipe loaded rounds with brake cleaner or alcohol afterwards.
Shoot and repeat....

 

[jepp2]

Anyone that has any tips they would be appreciated!

How much is the mandrel increasing the neck diameter? I anneal after firing and before sizing. To address the oxide that is left on the surface of the neck from annealing, I tumble them in corncob media with Nufinish added to it. Eliminates any issues.

For new Lapua cases, the necks generally (caliber dependent) are considerable undersize. I put a very light coat of Imperial sizing lube on the inside of the case neck before expanding. Too slow and yes the powder would tend to stick to the inside of the neck. So I just started tumbling them in the same corncob with Nufinish and now the mandrel is smooth and the bullets seat "just right".

 

[JFrank]

Use another Q tip to remove the lube

 

[rsbhunter]

My process is to anneal, lube (I use lanolin/alcohol spray) in plastic bag, necks facing out. Lube gets in necks and on cases, roll in bag. Then I full length size in Foster FL die, run through mandrel, then vibrate tumble......brush out necks and load....rsbhunter

 

[zipollini]

Coat bullets with Hbn and you will not have to lube necks

 

[rsbhunter]

I use hbn on bullets, case mouths and the bore. As well as my front bag and rear bag........rsbhunter

 

[Scott-ak]

I appreciate the feedback. To answer some of the questions.
I anneal before sizing. Lube in a ziplock (lanolin/alcohol) , FLS w/no deprime pin then mandrel size.
I tried dipping in fine graphite but the neck is so dry that the powder doesn't stick. I'll try mixing some with alcohol or another fast drying solvent.
I'm using a LE Wilson stainless mandrel and will look into carbide.
Simply wiping out the necks doesn't stop the powder from sticking. I'll try swishing them around in a solvent

 

[rsbhunter]

There should be enough lube left in the neck after FL sizing....do you have the sizing button in the FL die? I took my button out, as using a mandrel negates the need for the button....

 

[JMayo]

I realized i had to resize the necks because the cutting mandrel made them too big. So i qtipped with alcohol every one, 186 . Then resprayed w one shot & resized. Wiped, primed ready to load up

 

[rsbhunter]

Hate to spend other people's money...but as said above, carbide mandrel. You stated the cutter mandrel made them big, oal trimming, or neck turning? rsbhunter

 

[JDinFbg]

I have tried mica which works OK, but what I found works the best is to expand the necks in a separate step by pushing the expanding mandrill into the case rather dragging it out through the entire neck. For a lot of my cartridges I only expand the outer portion of the neck since most bullets I shoot don't engage the full length of the neck. Further, I always brush the inside of the case necks with a bronze brush on my case prep station which removes any powder residue or scaling from the annealing process.

 

[Sixgun]

I like a couple hours tumbling in walnut after sizing for the sizing lube and getting out any brass 'chips' after trimming and chamfering. Mandreling right before powdering and seating.