It doesn't pay

**charlie b** · 07-19-2021, 07:36 AM

Have never annealed a case, in any of my guns. Usually neck size only with the Lee collet dies. Every 5 reloads a full length resize is needed or the brass will sometimes stick in the chamber.

**yobuck** · 07-19-2021, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by charlie b

Have never annealed a case, in any of my guns. Usually neck size only with the Lee collet dies. Every 5 reloads a full length resize is needed or the brass will sometimes stick in the chamber.

Now that statement is apt to start a long conversation Charlie. lol

**wbm** · 07-19-2021, 08:29 PM

Have never annealed a case, in any of my guns. Usually neck size only

Had a friend that passed on at 87 a few years ago that did the same. He had what was the most phenomenal rifle I have ever fired. Wicked accurate, it was a Hart barreled 6 PPC on a Remington target receiver, Jewel trigger and McMillan stock. Used to shoot it at Ben Avery in Arizona in winter...he and the rifle were a legend there.

**charlie b** · 07-19-2021, 09:13 PM

Yeah, I know it goes against the grain for some. Please note that 1/2MOA is not considered competition level accuracy for most precision shooters. It is where I am at and I am comfortable with it. Could I do better? Maybe, but, my shooting skills are not currently good enough to do much better.

When considering neck sizing I did do a bit of research with some precision and bench rest shooters. Both of those groups of folks NEED reliable extraction and chambering. PRS types need fast cycling of the bolt. Bench rest folks tend to quickly get off 5 or 10 rounds as fast as they can before the wind changes. To get that kind of reliable extraction you do need to full length resize, setting the dies at a very specific point for your chamber. Neck sizing alone will eventually result in a sticking case. That would really hurt in competition.

I do not compete and don't really mind if I have a failure to extract easily or eject 'cleanly' or even if I have to get out a range rod to tap a case out. So, I neck size most of the time. Not because it is more accurate but because I am a bit lazy. I don't need to use any case lube when neck sizing with the Lee dies. I shoot them until a case sticks a little, then full length resize the batch of cases.

As to annealing, it goes back to me being comfortable with my results. Yeah, if I did anneal I could probably eek out another tenth or so. Again, I am comfortable with my results so do not mess with annealing.

**Stumpkiller** · 07-19-2021, 10:02 PM

I reload some S&B and it hasn't been a problem. The factory loads were HOT and I had flattened primers. But reloading that brass I have had good results. I'm up to eight reloads (neck resize and small "bump" as needed) on 40 cases shot in a single shot T/C Contender carbine. 3,150 fps, 52 grain bullet loads for woodchucks. Full but not pushing it.

When these and my REM brass wear out I'll get some Peterson. Having great luck with their brass in other calibers and it's not too pricey.

**Mr.Snerdly** · 07-19-2021, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by Stumpkiller

I reload some S&B and it hasn't been a problem. The factory loads were HOT and I had flattened primers. But reloading that brass I have had good results. I'm up to eight reloads (neck resize and small "bump" as needed) on 40 cases shot in a single shot T/C Contender carbine. 3,150 fps, 52 grain bullet loads for woodchucks. Full but not pushing it.

I think the brass is probably as good as anything except the higher priced premium brands. I noticed the weight is not as consistent as the Lapua but other than that I see nothing wrong with it after you get the primer pockets reamed. I think I will sort it according to weight and see what happens. I shot a few groups today and they were decent but not quite as good as the Lapua but it could have been me. I know neither myself or my setup is perfect. I think the factory loaded rounds were trash though. Never shot anything that grouped worse.

Charlie, I was going to anneal my Lapua brass but I think I will hold off now, at least for a few more firings. I have been neck sizing too with the Lee collet sizer. Fast and no case lube either.