I have a question in relation to the above explanation. I have had rounds that were loaded several years ago that now have split necks that I know were not split when they were loaded. Is that because I didn't anneal them and the neck tension eventually split the necks?
And if that is the case would annealing have prevented the splits?
It may well have helped to avoid this problem if you had annealed the necks before loading it, if you were going to put it away for a long period, yes. The other thing I would have a good hard look at is your storage conditions. As I said, SCC is associated not only with residual stress but also an environment where there's a bit of moisture and ammonia. Ammonia can have a number of sources. It is a breakdown product of organic material, so any decaying plant matter or timber can be a source, as well as being given off by such things as urine (eg from mice or rats), some copper solvents, household cleaning products and metal polish. It doesn't require much of it either. Storage in airtight boxes with a bit of dessicant suggests itself, for long-term storage. Either that or use the stuff!
