Another annealing question?

[Tempest]

Per the title:

Soliciting opinions on this. I'm follow the pattern if something works, try to not create more variables.
I know the pro/con debate on annealing every time etc. I typically anneal every other time with a Benchsource. Brass is Lapua .308 Palma.

Headed to F Class Nats and brass has 3 firings since last annealed. However, last match the ammo was fantastic with the highest X at 1,000 I've ever had.

It's a long trip and want to make sure everything is perfect. Brass has a total of 10-12 firings. Considering the way it shot last match, would you anneal or load it?

Thanks.

 

[john pruitt]

yes

 

[47WillysGuy]

Maybe it’s not the brass but the shooter that did so well using his particular load.

 

[dcali]

If you can't tell, why bother?

 

[DJSBRS]

Anneal them now and know they are all the same after you FL size them for your chamber.

DJ
DJ's Brass Service
205-461-4680

 

[JimSC]

I treat annealing like I do my lucky hat, not real sure it does anything to help, but certainly does not hurt.

 

[billlarson]

Annealing will give you more consistent neck tension.....very important at LR
bill

 

[riflewoman]

If you anneal and don’t do well, then the annealing wasn’t necessary. But if you don’t anneal and don’t do well, then you’ll blame yourself for not annealing.

This is a no win question. My experience with annealing is limited, but I do know that annealing every time is superfluous based on the metallurgy. Every 4th time seems to be beneficial metallurgically. Brian Litz found no LR benefit provided all brass had the same firings. Others think there a benefit. There most likely an optimum neck tension for every load and rifle and yours may be different than mine. In short, this is anybody’s guess.

 

[joshb]

I’d load two batches. One annealed and one not, if you have enough brass. Long trip, big Match? Be prepared for any thing. You’ll know which works best pretty quick.

 

[C. Collins]

Measure a piece of brass prior to sizing, and after sizing. If the brass is being formed properly by the die then your good to go. We want maybe .002 neck tension and about .001 to .002 shoulder set back.