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10/13/2015 12:11:08 AM EDT
I started annealing using the Templaq and torch method last year after experiencing loss of neck tension on some of my .308 cases after several loadings.

I have started prepping a new batch 300 pieces of once fired Hornady match brass along with a batch of 100 pieces of LC 84. Again, these are all once fired.  Should I anneal now to set a baseline or will the original anneal be sufficient for a couple loadings?
10/13/2015 12:38:53 AM EDT
[#1]
Unless you are forming these cases to a new caliber, I would load/shoot them as is.
10/13/2015 3:33:06 AM EDT
[#2]
Thanks Dryflash, that is what I suspected but wanted to verify. While I've been loading since 1979, the venture into the annealing process was new for me.
10/13/2015 9:24:49 AM EDT
[#3]
There is no right or wrong answer here imo, just personal prefs.  

If it were me,

I would absolutely anneal the 84 LC, particularly if I was at all unfamiliar with its history.

Assuming the once fired Hornady was fired the first time from the rifle for which I am reloading, I would consider skipping the anneal.  If not, or considering I would have my anneal stuff out to do the Lake City anyway ..... I'd run them too.

If you annealing properly, annealing won't hurt them and could help - no down side other than time.  (Trust the Tempilaq)

If your question is because you are at all concerned about damaging them due to improper annealling, then by all means - wait until you are more confident with your annealing process (no offense intended  -  just saying).  


10/13/2015 12:30:57 PM EDT
[#4]
No offense taken.

As for the LC84 I know its history as I cracked the wooden crate and popped open the can.  It has been fired in my 80% .308 I finished up earlier this year.

10/13/2015 1:23:34 PM EDT
[#5]
Personally, if you're using annealing to get maximum case life (as opposed to using it to try and get ultra-precise neck tension each loading), I would take a few cases and shoot them until they split necks, figure out how many average firings you get to case failure, and anneal just a bit before that. Depending on your loads, you may find that you only anneal a couple of times before primer pockets get loose, or you start to see some incipient head separation, especially in an autoloader. In a bolt gun, neck splits will usually dominate, assuming you neck size only most of the time. I wouldn't anneal on the first firing, unless you're seeing a specific problem.
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