Does Annealing Impact Already Worked Up Load?

[CarlGeorge]

I recently acquired a used BenchSource and am venturing into the world of annealing. I haven't annealed anything yet.

I've currently got a load worked up that is working quite well. Does using an annealed case typically cause changes to be made in a load that has already been worked up based on a non-annealed case? For example.....going to a different sized neck bushing when sizing?

Here are the setup and load deets - in case they help in answering:

• Straight .284 (I'm new to this cartridge; on my first rifle with it and only about 300 rnds down range)
  
• .318 neck
• 180gr Berger Hybrid Target bullets
• Lapua 6.5-284 necked up brass; not turning necks
• FL sizing with .002" shoulder bump; .310 bushing currently providing best results (.002-.0025" neck tension)

Any input/experiences are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

CG

 

[rwj]

Doubtful, but testing will be the tell!

 

[Fred B.]

Depending on how many firing on brass (dictates how hard the neck is), you may need to use a larger bushing to get your desired neck tension.

 

[AJC]

Yes, your neck tension will change. Is your load in a window that will tolerate that type of change??? Do a run of 10 rounds for testing on your next trip and see if your good or need a change. With that small lot your not fully invested and can still compete without starting over.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I can only tell you what it will do in a Short Range Benchrest case.

I have multitudes of 30 BR cases, because nobody has figured out when one wears out.

A friend took a hundred or so and annealed them for me on his AMP machine.

Upon the next firing after annealing, the Rifle was not in a competitive tune. After firing them again after annealing, they reverted back to their formal self, shooting the load that has always worked.

There are long range shooters that anneal after each firing.

 

[INTJ]

The key is to have a consistent process whether you anneal or not. I find it easier just to anneal after each firing for LR BR.

That said, I have had good results not annealing at all or annealing only after the first firing. However, each change requires rechecking the tune.

I think the worst method is to anneal every few firings.

 

[bozo699]

Annealing will change your bullet grip!... I agree with INTJ anneal every time or not at all!.. in my experience annealing every time lowered my es and sd which ultimately reduced my group size. If you use a force seat restoration arbor press or the 21st century hydro press you can see your difference in seating force or bullet grip from annealed and not annealed necks very clearly at short range you won’t see the effects on the target nearly as much as you will at longer ranges so in short yes you will have to check your tune after you start annealing but you will be happy with the results!... good luck in your new venture.
Wayne

 

[CarlGeorge]

Thanks a lot everyone. These are great responses and give me perspectives that will really help.

I am planning on annealing after every firing. Very interested to see how annealing translates to differences on paper.

CG