30 cases were annealed, and 30 cases were not annealed. Exact same load, same bullet compression, etc. I realize this is not in any way any kind of definative test, and I wasn't even able to fire off all 60 rounds. I just wanted to see for my self what if anything that annealing would do for me.
When full length sizing both types of cases the annealed started into the sizing die easier, but after the first inch, they were no easier to size than the not-annealed cases.
On firing these first time shot cases, the not-annealed cases had a moderate amount of blow back of gases, not too bad, but very noticeable. On the other hand the annealed cases had NO gas blow back, and looked the same coming out of the chamber that they did going in!!
Plus # 1 for annealing!
Since I hadn't shot this rifle at 500 yds, I estimated that I would have to come up about 50 or more minutes of elevation to get on paper. That proved to be right, and was in the 7 ring with the first shot, and with four more sighters went for record. This was with the not-annealed case loads.
I shot a dismal 76 out of 100 on my first string.
After coming back from the pits, it was my turn again, and I opted for the annealed case loads. I shot a 93 out of 100. I wish I could have gone on shooting, but it was my turn to spot, and the rifle again got cold, and I got even colder. My next 10 shot string I also shot the annealed cases since they had done so well last string. My first sighting shot was an X, and I said that is enough practice and complemented my spotter Erich for what a fine job he was doing, and went for record. Shot an 81 out of 100
![Crying or Very sad :cry:](./images/smilies/icon_cry.gif)
I don't know exactly why the last string was not as good as the second, other than we had been out in that extreme cold all day, and I couldn't feel my fingers. I am pretty sure though that annealing is going to be the way I will go (at least with Starline .45-90 brass) from now on with new cases.
Like I said, this wasn't any Yale or Harvard study, but to me it gives an indicator for annealing. At least annealing new brass. Fire Away guys,
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)