Case forming and annealing

[southern_idaho]

Because .17 Hornet cases are so hard to come by, and also because its kind of enjoyable to me, I have been forming .22 Hornet cases into .17 Hornet cases. My success rate has been so-so, some batches are better than others. To date my best success rate has been about 80%.

One thing I have leared is that if they make it through the initial fire-forming they are good to go for whatever load I care to throw at them.

I have been wondering if I might have a better success rate if I were to anneal them after case forming but before the initial fire-forming load?

Please note that it is already too late for me to anneal before the the case forming process as they have all already been formed.

Also, what are thoughts about annealing those that make it through the fire-forming loads - before reloading again?

My experience at annealing is very limited to date.

Lastly, I have yet to have one of the formed cases fail after successfully making it through fire-forming.

 

[Steve Blair]

Any time there is significant cold working of the brass, annealing is a good idea. I make .300 WSM from .270 WSM because of Norma's strange pricing policies. They are necked up to 7mm, then .30. After neck turning, I anneal them before loading. That way, the cases are back in a state similar to what they were originally.

 

[Bob Sebold]

Ditto to Steve, It NEVER hurts to anneal.

 

[MrMajestic]

I have been wondering if I might have a better success rate if I were to anneal them after case forming but before the initial fire-forming load?

Yes, but don't do it before case forming or they will be too soft and will crush. Ask me how I know? ;D

Please note that it is already too late for me to anneal before the the case forming process as they have all already been formed.

Also, what are thoughts about annealing those that make it through the fire-forming loads - before reloading again?

I anneal my .17 Ackley Hornet and all my cases prior to reloading everytime and I would think most on this site recommend the same. I have yet to lose a Hornet cases after many(6-8?) reloads.

My experience at annealing is very limited to date.

Buy a Bench Source or something similar and you will be experienced in no time!

Lastly, I have yet to have one of the formed cases fail after successfully making it through fire-forming.

 

[southern_idaho]

Thanks for the replies everyone!