When I got this ball from the resale shop it was really polished so I knocked some of the sheen off of it with a 4000 abralon pad. Since this cover is so hard how long will the 4000 hold up? It seemed as though it had polished itself up again after just 3 games. Should I go with a 3000 to get it to hold up longer? Mind you I did do the 4000 wet, by hand and not with a ball spinner.

 I always thought of the Black and Red Hammers as having a little rougher than 800 finish, that 320 sanded was the finish as the OOB finish.

 Even when finished with that grit (320 because that was what I used), it doesn't seem to take long for this ball to "self-shine", especially on todays synthetic surfaces. I've used mine a few times, and it seems to only take 5-6 games for it to shine right up.

It's probably lane conditioner.....try cleaning it with rubbing alcohol.  Those covers should rarely need touch ups. 

Just had to take my Burgundy to 4000/ polish to be able to use it.  It's a strong ball.