Where does annealing fit into the order of brass prep??

[Jefferson]

LRPV, I don't think you can get consistent neck tension with dirty necks that's for sure. Following the sonic cleaning I usually run a Chucking reamer or Sinclair/Wilson reamer just to be sure that any donuts that are growing are eliminated. Then I run each case through the Redding type S with a bushing that compresses the necks about 1/2 way down or so. I continue to use an expander button, some competitors don't like to use expanders, but I feel that they help in the neck tension being uniform. The reason I size the neck 1/2 way is for the unsized portion to absolutely keep the case centered in the chamber, this probably isn't needed, but it sounds good to me. I learned this from some very good bench rest boys. That's about it, my guns when loaded properly will shoot well under 1/4 MOA that gives me a lot of confidence when competing.
Paul Larson Mid Range and Long Range HM

a lot of winning BR short range guys now use a full length die so your comments are not necessarily correct in modern times (last 5 years) as the world benchrest federation competitors will attest to, of which I am one

respectfully
Jefferson

 

[PALarson]

What ever you feel is best for your shooting, I got the tip from a very sucessfull benchrest shooter. I may be behind the times, cant tell but I win most of the matches that I shoot in.
Paul Larson

 

[amlevin]

LRPV, I don't think you can get consistent neck tension with dirty necks that's for sure. Following the sonic cleaning I usually run a Chucking reamer or Sinclair/Wilson reamer just to be sure that any donuts that are growing are eliminated. Then I run each case through the Redding type S with a bushing that compresses the necks about 1/2 way down or so. I continue to use an expander button, some competitors don't like to use expanders, but I feel that they help in the neck tension being uniform. The reason I size the neck 1/2 way is for the unsized portion to absolutely keep the case centered in the chamber, this probably isn't needed, but it sounds good to me. I learned this from some very good bench rest boys. That's about it, my guns when loaded properly will shoot well under 1/4 MOA that gives me a lot of confidence when competing.
Paul Larson Mid Range and Long Range HM

a lot of winning BR short range guys now use a full length die so your comments are not necessarily correct in modern times (last 5 years) as the world benchrest federation competitors will attest to, of which I am one

respectfully
Jefferson

I would say that most of those SR BR shooters are also using match chambered barrels that have dimension not much different than a F/L sizing die. Not much case expansion so not much work-hardening of the case. A lot of those F/L dies they are using have had he neck size area honed to custom dimensions so it's not a lot different than using a "Body Die" and "Neck Size Bushing Die" all in one.

FWIW, I ordered my last barrel chambered with a tight chamber that matches a factory Forster F/L die almost exactly. No "muffin top" at the top of the web of sized cases or overworked necks/shoulders.