Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

[AussieShooter]

I am contemplating purchasing an annealing machine but wonder if it's really worth the extra cost and effort?

For those who currently use or have previously used this process I would appreciate your input.

 

[jagged77]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

Before you purchase an annealing machining you could try to do some manually, you'll be able to gauge the benefits for yourself?

There's no doubt it improves case life, neck tension and accuracy. I do all of mine (thousands per year) with a torch and electric drill and consider it a vital process as part of my reloading routine.

 

[armorpl8chikn]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

An annealing machine won't do anything for you, that you cannot perform with a simple case holder, and a drill and cheap torch from Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

It is not a stretch to anneal 100 cases in 15 minutes using a torch a drill and a darkened room. Save your money unless you have plenty of it.

 

[Helidriver]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

I've been contemplating this for quite some time. The info I've found on the web has been inconsistent and full of conflicting info. Does anyone know of a good tutorial from a reputable source on how to do it? I would like to try.

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

It's a fact it helps. It's also a fact that its a pain in the ass.

 

[Temp9]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

Annealing for me is very quick without a machine. Trimming takes longer. My method involves using a propane torch to heat the brass just below the shoulder while spinning it in an electric screwdriver. In a pitch dark room (my bathroom), I just let the neck begin to glow, then drop it onto a wet towel. The end result is a golden red color around the shoulder and neck. I tried waiting until the brass turned blue/silver in bright light, but it made my brass too soft. I don't think you'll gain that much with an annealing machine over doing it manually.

 

[Niles Coyote]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jagged77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There's no doubt it improves case life, neck tension and accuracy. I do all of mine (thousands per year) with a torch and electric drill and consider it a vital process as part of my reloading routine. </div></div>

I have had the same experience and use the same method. I thought about getting a machine before I first tried this way and I am glad I didn’t go through with it. I don’t do near enough to warrant that kind of cost.

 

[Tunanut]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kolkio</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It's a fact it helps. It's also a fact that its a pain in the ass. </div></div>

Not with one of these

 

[stockdoc]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

Tunanut is right. The Giraud annealer is an awesome machine that will make short work of annealing all your brass. Buy some 750 degree tempilaq and let 'er rip! You can check all kinds of YouTube vids on how to do this. Really simple, repeatable and consistent

 

[2clicks]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

My experience has been good both with a giraud & by hand. Shootin over my chrony it seems to help keep my es down. I'm a believer. I tell ya though I think the giraurd will get more uniform results piece to piece over doing it by hand...

 

[jagged77]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

I would definitely consider a Giraud over hand annealing as its the best design I've seen, however they are considered an automatic loading machine and subject to ITAR restrictions, therefore not available for international sale! BUGGER!! (and too big to fit into my luggage).

 

[roggom]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Helidriver</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've been contemplating this for quite some time. The info I've found on the web has been inconsistent and full of conflicting info. Does anyone know of a good tutorial from a reputable source on how to do it? I would like to try. </div></div>

Here is an excerpt from Handloader magazine.
http://www.riflemagazine.com/magazine/PDF/hl276partial.pdf

If you search the interwebz you will find the socket and drill method, this is what I use. Yes annealing is a pain in the butt, but I am now on load 23 of my RP brass. I anneal after 8 or so loads. Only had 1 out of 100 split on my so far. The necks will outlast the primer pockets.

 

[Yasherka]

Re: Annealing. Can you really notice a difference?

I recently purchased the Bench-Source model and it has been an enormous help. Even though it needs to be hand-fed I was still able to do 600 .308 rounds in about 40 minutes. If you have thousands of rounds to do (as I do), an annealing machine is definitely worth it.