Neck Anneal (Fire forming)?

[223Randy]

I am getting ready to load some shells for fire forming in an .223 AI. Would it be better to anneal the necks before fire forming?

 

[Joe R]

Is it virgin brass? If not how many times has it been fired?

 

[223Randy]

No, it is once, some twice fired. I also have some once fired 5.56 brass, any advantage to using it for fire formed .223 AI?

 

[Joe R]

It's really a judgement call. Annealing soften the neck of the brass to keep it from cracking, but yours hasn't been fired but twice at the most, so I don't think it "needs it", but certainly wouldn't hurt if you did.

Here's an article The Science of Annealing Brass, that may help.