Question about surplus ammo and factory annealing

[boltstop]

I've noticed when buying milsurp ammo in the past (when there was any, LOL) that much of it was annealed.

Why?

Is it a NATO spec or something? Why anneal something that's only going to be used once? IIRC, there aren't any governments that reload (excepting the competition groups within the military services, right?).

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Question about surplus ammo and factory annealing

Because, it causes the brass to have uniform neck tension accross the board thus contributing to accuracy. Not the real reason but the results are a fact.

It is most likely due to the possibility of long term storage. Brass tends to get brittle over time without working hardening.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Question about surplus ammo and factory annealing

Most, if not all, factory brass is annealed in the production process. The commercial brass, less Lapua, is usually polished so there is no visible trace of the annealing.

 

[targaflorio]

Re: Question about surplus ammo and factory annealing

A demonstrative example is Federal Gold Medal Match ammo. Check out the 308 versus 7.62. 308 is polished, 7.62 is not. Both annealed. Ballisticaly identical ammo.