ANNEALING UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

Notes on the Oehler Model 43 display: The Oehler system seen on the screen in Lou’s video is capable of recording a maximum 10 shot string. The first shot of any string always registers at the center of the target grid. Therefore, when a twenty-shot group is shot, the two 10 shot electronic groups will not "overlay” correctly compared to the real paper target.

 

 Also, the screen shown in the video is "zoomed in” and the grid and bullet icons do not give a correct reference to group size. The annealed 20 shot string was actually still under 0.30” after nineteen shots. The twentieth shot, which looks in the video like a flier, actually just enlarged the group to 0.3405”.

20 shot x 100 yard groups, single case per group. 30 PPC. 

One Lapua case no annealing x 20 shots

ES = 77 FPS

One Lapua case annealed every reload x 20 shots

ES = 36 FPS

This was no fluke. Lou repeated the feat twice with a 308W. That rifle was an F-Class Golden Bear with Borerider chamber in a Bartlein barrel. Below are the comparative 20 shot groups, annealed v unannealed for both Peterson cases and Lapua cases. 

20 shot x 100 yard groups, single case per group. 308 W.

1 x Peterson case no annealing x 20.

ES = 26 FPS

1 x Peterson case annealed every reload x 20.

ES = 29 FPS

1 x Lapua case no annealing x 20.

ES = 42 FPS

1 x Lapua case annealed every reload x 20.

ES = 35 FPS

Stage three summary

A notable feature of the stage three results was that none of these 20 shot strings produced particularly low velocity extreme spreads. Most short range benchrest competitors will confirm that ES just isn’t that important at short range. It is only at long range that ES is a significant factor in vertical shot distribution.

 

In all three twenty shot group comparisons, the annealed case demonstrated a significant accuracy advantage over the unannealed case.

Annealing under the Microscope Part 5 overall summary.

Up until this study, we have always focused on researching accurate and repeatable annealing of case necks and shoulders. We have spent several years testing literally thousands of different cartridges, wildcats, brands, lot numbers and neck turned variations. Our testing has been largely confined to the laboratory, using micro-Vickers hardness testing equipment. We spent well over a year just perfecting the AZTEC system of case analysis. We believe that is a complete game changer for the reloader, allowing exceptionally accurate annealing of almost any cartridge without the need for laboratory testing.

We have also investigated the actual metallurgy of annealing in detail. To do that we have worked with several independent, accredited metallurgy laboratories.

Based on the feedback of several thousand customers, we knew that our annealing system produced real world benefits. Many customers have been extremely helpful in reporting great data back to us. Unfortunately, with the limited facilities available in New Zealand, it was almost impossible for us to quantify the benefits by conducting our own meaningful ballistics testing.

Working with Lou Murdica, and also the team from Strategic Edge has finally allowed us to accumulate a body of quality data. We have been able to compare annealed v not annealed cases in multiple rifles, cartridges and shooting applications.

We believe the results are conclusive. On average annealing with our system produces lower velocity extreme spreads, and tighter groups. It does this by allowing much more precise and repeatable case sizing dimensions, and much more repeatable neck tension. Annealing Made Perfect eliminates those variables, allowing reloaders to concentrate on the many other elements which go into the perfect reload.

Special thanks:

This project would not have been possible without the participation of a number of expert shooters. Thanks once again to Lou Murdica, Tony Shankle, Dennis Dean, David White, Ken Faulk and Greg Micklow.