So after reloading for a few years, I've decided to add annealing to my reloading steps. To keep things simple, I'm just going to anneal my brass every firing. I purchased an Annie and it's simple and fast enough. Figured if it can keep things more constant, get my SD's down and extend brass life, it's worth it.
Currently, I'm developing a load with a new 6.5 creedmoor rifle I just finished putting together. I've shot the rifle two outings so far trying to decide which bullet I want to go with. It's tough as it's a good shooter, better than I can shoot. I've got 3 different bullets shooting better than an inch group at 200 yards.
The situation I have probably over 300 pieces of Hornady 6.5 brass that I'm currently working with. Some of which were fired from a bolt gun and some with a semi auto I had. Unfortunately, I have no ideal how many firing on the brass. I didn't shoot either of those previous rifles much so I figure the brass has 3 to 5 firings on it. So far it's shooting good in this rifle. I haven't experienced any split neck or loose primer pockets with any of it yet.
Should I scrap the brass since I don't know the history or should I anneal it and keep using it? I definitely don't want to go backward if thing get inconsistent with this rifle. I'd buy new brass but it's out of stock everywhere. I've got a buddy who has 200-300 rounds of once fired Hornady that he's going to give me since he doesn't reload. Thoughts?
I understand Hornady brass isn't the best for a precision gun. I started load development with it and probably just going to stick with it. I honestly don't think I'm going to get the rifle to shoot better with higher end brass like Lapua. Truthfully, I don't think I can shoot the rifle any better than it's currently performing.
Currently, I'm developing a load with a new 6.5 creedmoor rifle I just finished putting together. I've shot the rifle two outings so far trying to decide which bullet I want to go with. It's tough as it's a good shooter, better than I can shoot. I've got 3 different bullets shooting better than an inch group at 200 yards.
The situation I have probably over 300 pieces of Hornady 6.5 brass that I'm currently working with. Some of which were fired from a bolt gun and some with a semi auto I had. Unfortunately, I have no ideal how many firing on the brass. I didn't shoot either of those previous rifles much so I figure the brass has 3 to 5 firings on it. So far it's shooting good in this rifle. I haven't experienced any split neck or loose primer pockets with any of it yet.
Should I scrap the brass since I don't know the history or should I anneal it and keep using it? I definitely don't want to go backward if thing get inconsistent with this rifle. I'd buy new brass but it's out of stock everywhere. I've got a buddy who has 200-300 rounds of once fired Hornady that he's going to give me since he doesn't reload. Thoughts?
I understand Hornady brass isn't the best for a precision gun. I started load development with it and probably just going to stick with it. I honestly don't think I'm going to get the rifle to shoot better with higher end brass like Lapua. Truthfully, I don't think I can shoot the rifle any better than it's currently performing.
